# XV: “Ho, Ho, Hoh!” explained — Lud-in-the-Mist

> Chapter companion for Lud-in-the-Mist by Hope Mirrlees.

## What happens

The chapter opens with the discovery of fairy fruits hidden inside Nathaniel's grandfather clock during a Senate search, leading to public mockery and his effigy being burned. Meanwhile, Nathaniel, absorbed in rereading the widow Gibberty's trial, remains detached. The apprentice of clockmaker Ebeneezor Prim disappears after being suspected of fairy connections, and the Senate formally declares Nathaniel dead in the eyes of the law.

## Themes in this chapter

### Reality vs. Delusion

The discovery of fairy fruits in the clock shatters the town's denial, while Nathaniel's mental landscape remains fixed on a 'straight white road' of truth.

### Law and Justice

The Senate's legal maneuvers—declaring Nathaniel dead—highlight the tension between formal law and true justice.

### Fear of the Unknown

The town's horrified reaction to the fairy fruits and the mob's violence against Nathaniel reflect deep-seated fear of the fairy realm.

## Character check-ins

### Master Nathaniel Chanticleer

Sits calmly in his pipe-room reading the widow Gibberty's trial while his effigy is burned; later faces the Senate's declaration of his legal death with cold detachment.

### Master Ambrose Honeysuckle

Defends Nathaniel passionately in the Senate, protesting against Polydore's accusations and Leer's interference.

### Endymion Leer

Tags along on the Senate search, taunts the proceedings, and suggests opening the grandfather clock, leading to the discovery of fairy fruits.

### Master Polydore Vigil

Leads the accusation against Nathaniel in the Senate, moving to have him declared dead; oversees the search of Nathaniel's house.

### Ebeneezor Prim

Clockmaker who watches the effigy burning; his apprentice disappears after being suspected of fairy connections, and he forbids his daughters from mentioning him.

### Dame Marigold Chanticleer

Brings the keys for the Senate search and is dismayed when the grandfather clock is opened to reveal fairy fruits.

## Key lines

> amazement that foolish, innocent-looking grandfather’s clock stood revealed as a veritable cornucopia of exotic, strangely coloured, sinister-looking fruits.

Everyone was astonished to find that the harmless-looking grandfather clock was actually full of strange, brightly colored, and ominous fairy fruits.

_The hidden fairy fruits are discovered, shocking the townspeople._

> He has been dumb, when it was the time to speak, feeble, when it was the time to act, treacherous, as the desolate homes of his friends can testify, and given to vanities.

He remained silent when he should have spoken, was weak when action was needed, betrayed his friends, and was overly fond of luxury.

_Polydore Vigil accuses Nathaniel of failing his duties and being vain._

> I move that in the eye of the Law he be accounted dead.

I propose that the law consider him as dead.

_Polydore formally moves to have Nathaniel declared legally dead._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lud_in_the_mist_se/chapters/xv-ho-ho-hoh
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lud_in_the_mist_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lud_in_the_mist_se/chapters