Memoirs of a Midget · Chapter
XXXIII explained
The narrator reflects on the memory of Mr.
What happens
The narrator reflects on the memory of Mr. Crimble's suicide and discusses it with Susan Monnerie, who is both shocked and curious. Mrs. Monnerie treats the subject with detached, almost clinical interest, comparing it to Greek tragedy. The chapter deepens the bond between the narrator and Susan, contrasting her gentle, open nature with Fanny's more enigmatic presence.
Themes in this chapter
Mortality and Memory
The chapter centers on the memory of Mr. Crimble's suicide and how the world quickly adjusts to his absence, exploring the fragility of life and the persistence of memory.
Deception and Self-Deception
The narrator evades Susan's questions and downplays her own role in Mr. Crimble's story, while Mrs. Monnerie uses the tragedy for her own amusement.
Characters to notice
- Unknown (Narrator)
Recalls Mr. Crimble's suicide and shares details with Susan Monnerie; reflects on her own past and her growing friendship with Susan.
- Susan Monnerie
Shocked by the revelation of Mr. Crimble's suicide; presses the narrator for details and shows a compassionate, curious nature.
- Mrs. Monnerie
Brings up Mr. Crimble's death at luncheon with detached amusement, comparing it to Greek tragedy; continues her manipulative probing.
- Mr. Crimble
His suicide is discussed; described as a dark, short clergyman in his twenty-ninth year who died by cutting his throat.
- Fanny Bowater
Mentioned in comparison to Susan Monnerie; the narrator reflects on Fanny's beauty and the changes since their time at Beechwood.
Key passages
“From the very instant of his death the world had begun to adjust itself to his absence. And now nothing but a memory—a black, sad memory.”
As soon as Mr. Crimble died, life moved on without him, leaving only a dark and sorrowful recollection.
Reflects on how quickly the living forget the dead.
“The smallest confidence, I find, is a shortcut to friendship.”
Sharing even a little secret can quickly create a bond between people.
Narrator observes how her confession to Susan deepened their connection.