# XIII explained — Nightmare Abbey

> Chapter companion for Nightmare Abbey by Thomas Love Peacock.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/nightmare_abbey_se/chapters/xiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/nightmare_abbey_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/nightmare_abbey_se/chapters