Short Fiction · Chapter
XV: “Whither? I Dread to Think—” explained
The climactic performance of 'Ruthven' reaches its peak as Varduk dominates the stage, eclipsing Sigrid and Connatt.
What happens
The climactic performance of 'Ruthven' reaches its peak as Varduk dominates the stage, eclipsing Sigrid and Connatt. With the silver sword from Pursuivant's cane, Connatt stabs Varduk during the play, causing Varduk to crumble and die. The audience is told it was a tragic accident, while Connatt comforts Sigrid and reflects on the true story of Ruthven.
Themes in this chapter
Supernatural Evil and Occultism
Varduk's death and crumbling body, along with the strange lights outside, reinforce the occult and supernatural elements of the story.
Sacrifice and Redemption
Connatt's use of the silver sword to kill Varduk is framed as a necessary act to end the evil, with Varduk's final smile suggesting a form of release or redemption.
The Power of Belief and Ritual
The performance of the play itself becomes a ritualistic confrontation, and Pursuivant's faith in the silver sword underscores the power of belief in combating evil.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Connatt
Narrator and actor playing Swithin; delivers the fatal blow to Varduk with the silver sword.
- Varduk
Actor playing Ruthven; is stabbed by Connatt and crumbles to death on stage.
- Sigrid
Actress playing Mary; is emotionally overwhelmed and weeps after Varduk's death.
- Keith Pursuivant
Provides the silver sword to Connatt and addresses the audience after the incident.
- Jake Switz
Works the curtain ropes and warns Connatt to get his sword; shows Connatt the strange lights outside.
- Elmo Davidson
Plays Oscar; is stunned and led away by Jake after Varduk's death.
Key passages
“He’s gone—his soul hath ta’en its earthless flight— Whither? I dread to think—but he is gone.”
He has departed; his soul has taken an unearthly journey. Where it goes, I fear to imagine, but he is no longer here.
Connatt quotes Byron's 'Manfred' as he holds Sigrid after Varduk's death, reflecting on the mystery of Varduk's fate.
“My ancestor killed you once, Ruthven, I said, with more meaning than I had ever employed before. I can do so again.”
I declared that my ancestor had slain Ruthven once, and that I could do it again, speaking with profound significance.
Connatt addresses Varduk as Ruthven, blending the play's fiction with the real supernatural threat.