# XVI explained — Memoirs of a Midget

> Chapter companion for Memoirs of a Midget by Walter de la Mare.

## What happens

The narrator languishes in despair after Fanny's departure, consumed by longing and self-reproach. Mrs. Bowater obliquely reveals she knows of Fanny's secret midnight tryst, humiliating the narrator. A visit from Pollie brings news of her engagement to Bob Halibut, and the narrator ventures into town with Pollie, only to be mobbed by a curious crowd. Mr. Crimble witnesses the scene, and the narrator flees into Mrs. Stocks's shop for refuge before escaping by cab.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Obsession

The narrator's consuming longing for Fanny is depicted as a fever that drains all other interests and causes self-reproach.

### Performance and Being on Show

The narrator's public outing turns into a spectacle, with a crowd pursuing her as if she were a curiosity or a criminal.

### Deception and Self-Deception

The narrator realizes her own stupidity in not considering how Fanny left the house, and Mrs. Bowater's silent knowledge underscores layers of concealment.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown (Narrator)

Suffers from lovesickness and humiliation; ventures into town and is chased by a crowd.

### Mrs. Bowater

Confronts the narrator about her moping and reveals she knows of Fanny's secret departure.

### Fanny Bowater

Absent; sends a postcard with a brief message; the narrator's longing for her dominates the chapter.

### Pollie

Visits the narrator, announces her engagement to Bob Halibut, and accompanies her on the ill-fated walk.

### Mr. Crimble

Seen in the street; his presence adds to the narrator's distress.

### Mrs. Stocks

Provides sanctuary when the narrator is chased; arranges a cab for her escape.

## Key lines

> For many days my mind was an empty husk, yet in a constant torment of longing, daydream, despair, and self-reproaches.

For days, my mind felt hollow but was ceaselessly tormented by longing, daydreams, despair, and self-blame.

_The narrator describes the aftermath of Fanny's departure._

> Was I happier in that fever than I am in this literary calm?

Was I happier in that passionate turmoil than I am now in this composed, reflective state?

_The narrator questions whether the intensity of love was preferable to present tranquility._

> It was as if a wineglass of cold water had been poured down my back.

It felt like a glass of cold water was suddenly poured down my spine.

_The narrator's reaction to Fanny's postcard with a casual greeting._

> Thunderbolts fall quietly at times.

Sometimes, devastating revelations come without noise or drama.

_Reflecting on Mrs. Bowater's calm but crushing disclosure of her knowledge._

> I had been but a nine minutes’ wonder.

I was only a brief sensation, lasting just nine minutes.

_The narrator's public humiliation was fleeting but intense._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters/xvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/memoirs_of_a_midget_se/chapters