Nightmare Abbey · Chapter
XV explained
Scythrop waits in agony for his two lovers to arrive, but neither appears.
What happens
Scythrop waits in agony for his two lovers to arrive, but neither appears. Instead, his father returns alone with letters from both Celinda and Marionetta, each renouncing him and wishing him happiness with the other. Scythrop tears the letters to pieces, rails against women's fickleness, and is consoled by his father's advice to have only one string to his bow. He then calls for Madeira.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Deception and Delusion
Scythrop deludes himself into believing his lovers will arrive, then deceives himself about the time, ultimately facing the reality of their rejection.
Love and Marriage as Transaction
Both Marionetta and Celinda treat marriage as a practical arrangement, each quickly marrying another suitor and wishing Scythrop well with the other.
The Futility of Human Endeavor
Scythrop's elaborate preparations and desperate waiting come to nothing, and his threats of suicide are deflated by the anticlimactic arrival of his father alone.
Characters to notice
- Scythrop Glowry
Waits anxiously for his lovers, receives their rejection letters, tears them up, and rails against women's fickleness before calling for wine.
- Mr. Glowry
Returns alone from his mission, delivers the rejection letters, and offers Scythrop paternal advice.
- Raven
Terrified butler who is forced by Scythrop to set the watch back an hour under threat of a pistol.
- Crow
Stationed at the telescope to watch for arrivals, but falls asleep and gives mechanical answers.
- Marionetta Celestina O'Carroll
Writes a letter renouncing Scythrop and announcing her marriage to Mr. Listless.
- Stella
Revealed as Celinda Flosky in her letter, she renounces Scythrop and announces her marriage to Mr. Flosky.
Key passages
“I shall, in a very short time, change my name and situation, and shall always be happy to see you in Berkeley Square, when, to the unalterable designation of your affectionate cousin, I shall subjoin the signature of Marionetta Listless”
Marionetta announces she will soon marry Mr. Listless and invites Scythrop to visit her in London under her new married name.
Marionetta's letter formally ends her romantic involvement with Scythrop.
“I shall always cherish a grateful recollection of Nightmare Abbey, for having been the means of introducing me to a true transcendentalist; and, though he is a little older than myself, which is all one in Germany, I shall very soon have the pleasure of subscribing myself Celinda Flosky”
Celinda (Stella) thanks Nightmare Abbey for introducing her to Mr. Flosky, whom she will soon marry, dismissing the age difference as irrelevant in Germany.
Stella reveals her identity as Celinda Flosky and her intention to marry Mr. Flosky.
“Calm yourself, my dear Scythrop; there are yet maidens in England. And the next time, have but one string to your bow.”
Mr. Glowry advises Scythrop to calm down, reminding him there are other women, and to focus on one romantic interest at a time.
Mr. Glowry's pragmatic advice contrasts with Scythrop's melodramatic despair.