# III explained — Melmoth the Wanderer

> Chapter companion for Melmoth the Wanderer by Charles Robert Maturin.

## What happens

Young John Melmoth reads the remainder of Stanton's manuscript, which details Stanton's obsessive pursuit of Melmoth the Wanderer, their final meeting in a madhouse, and the temptations and horrors Stanton endured. After finishing, Melmoth tears and burns the portrait of his ancestor as instructed, but later experiences a terrifying vision of the figure appearing to him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Temptation and Faith

Melmoth tempts Stanton in the madhouse, offering freedom in exchange for his soul, which Stanton rejects with horror.

### Supernatural and the Gothic

The portrait appears to smile as it falls, and Melmoth's ancestor visits him in a dreamlike vision after the burning.

### Isolation and Alienation

Stanton is isolated in a madhouse, abandoned by his family, and his obsessive pursuit of Melmoth alienates him from society.

## Character check-ins

### John Melmoth

Reads Stanton's manuscript and destroys the portrait of his ancestor, then experiences a haunting vision.

### Stanton

His manuscript describes his obsessive search for Melmoth, their encounter in a madhouse, and his refusal of Melmoth's temptations.

### Old Melmoth

His portrait is torn and burned by young Melmoth; his figure appears in a vision after the destruction.

## Key lines

> I have sought him everywhere.—The desire of meeting him once more, is become as a burning fire within me—it is the necessary condition of my existence.

Stanton confesses that his obsessive search for Melmoth has become essential to his life.

_From the final legible lines of Stanton's manuscript._

> You have burned me, then; but those are flames I can survive.—I am alive—I am beside you.

The figure of Melmoth's ancestor speaks to John after the portrait is burned, claiming indestructibility.

_John's vision after destroying the portrait._

> Begone, monster, demon!—begone to your native place. Even this mansion of horror trembles to contain you; its walls sweat, and its floors quiver, while you tread them.

Stanton rejects Melmoth's offer with fury, commanding him to leave the madhouse.

_Stanton's reaction to Melmoth's temptation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/melmoth_the_wanderer_se/chapters/iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/melmoth_the_wanderer_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/melmoth_the_wanderer_se/chapters