Nightmare Abbey · Chapter
XIII explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Glowry discovers a hidden chamber in Scythrop's tower and the mysterious Stella is revealed. A chaotic confrontation ensues as Marionetta, Mr. Hilary, and Mr. Toobad arrive, leading to the revelation that Stella is actually Celinda Toobad, Mr. Toobad's daughter. Both Marionetta and Celinda renounce Scythrop, who remains paralyzed by indecision as the household descends into confusion.
Themes in this chapter
Romantic Idealism vs. Reality
Scythrop's idealistic pursuit of both women collapses when reality forces a confrontation, leaving him paralyzed.
Self-Deception and Delusion
Scythrop attempts to deceive his father with absurd explanations about acoustics and a tragedy plot, deluding himself that he can maintain his secret.
Satire of Literary and Philosophical Fashions
The chapter satirizes Gothic conventions and the melodramatic posturing of characters, including Scythrop's theatrical pose at the end.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Glowry
Discovers the secret chamber and Stella, confronts Scythrop about the hidden lady.
- Scythrop Glowry
Caught in a hopeless predicament as his secret is revealed; attempts to explain away the situation with absurd theories.
- Stella
Revealed as Celinda Toobad; emerges from the secret chamber and renounces Scythrop upon learning of his impending marriage.
- Marionetta Celestina O'Carroll
Faints upon seeing Scythrop with Stella; later renounces him.
- Mr. Toobad
Discovers his daughter Celinda in the tower; exclaims 'The devil is come among you.'
- Mr. Hilary
Enters the tower seeking Mr. Glowry; summons the household and demands an explanation.
- Mr. Flosky
Attracted by the tumult to the scene of action.
- Honourable Mr. Listless
Attracted by the tumult to the scene of action.
Key passages
“Mr. Glowry was much surprised, on occasionally visiting Scythrop’s tower, to find the door always locked, and to be kept sometimes waiting many minutes for admission: during which he invariably heard a heavy rolling sound like that of a ponderous mangle, or of a wagon on a weighing-bridge, or of theatrical thunder.”
Mr. Glowry grew suspicious when he repeatedly found Scythrop's tower door locked and heard a loud rumbling noise from inside.
Establishes Mr. Glowry's discovery of the secret.
“Marionetta, seeing Scythrop grasping the hand of a strange beauty, fainted away in the arms of her aunt.”
Marionetta fainted when she saw Scythrop holding hands with an unknown woman.
Highlights the dramatic confrontation.
“Scythrop knew not what to do. He could not attempt to conciliate the one without irreparably offending the other; and he was so fond of both, that the idea of depriving himself forever of the society of either was intolerable to him: he therefore retreated into his stronghold, mystery; maintained an impenetrable silence;”
Scythrop was unable to choose between the two women and remained silent to avoid losing either.
Illustrates Scythrop's indecision.