Short Fiction · Chapter
III: A Vision explained
Rhoda Brook is haunted by a vivid dream in which Gertrude Lodge, the new wife of her former lover, appears as a malevolent specter sitting on her chest and mocking her with her wedding ring.
What happens
Rhoda Brook is haunted by a vivid dream in which Gertrude Lodge, the new wife of her former lover, appears as a malevolent specter sitting on her chest and mocking her with her wedding ring. Rhoda violently throws the figure to the floor and wakes in terror. The next day, Gertrude visits Rhoda's cottage, bringing gifts for her son and showing unexpected kindness. During a later visit, Gertrude reveals a mysterious bruise on her arm that appeared on the same night and hour of Rhoda's dream, leading Rhoda to fear she may possess a malignant, supernatural power.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Secrecy
Rhoda hides her inner turmoil and the truth about her dream from Gertrude, while the mysterious bruise hints at hidden forces at work.
Isolation and Longing
Rhoda's solitary life and lingering attachment to her former lover are underscored by her intense focus on Gertrude and the haunting vision.
Fate and Coincidence
The precise alignment of Gertrude's injury with Rhoda's dream raises questions about fate, supernatural connection, and the power of the mind.
Characters to notice
- Rhoda Brook
Experiences a terrifying vision of Gertrude Lodge and later fears she may have unwittingly caused Gertrude's injury through supernatural means.
- Gertrude Lodge
Visits Rhoda's cottage with kindness and gifts, but unknowingly reveals a bruise that matches the grip of Rhoda's dream, deepening the mystery.
- Rhoda's son (unnamed boy)
The boy who first spoke to Gertrude in the road and accepted her offer of boots, facilitating the visit.
Key passages
“For the first time Gertrude Lodge visited the supplanted woman in her dreams.”
Gertrude Lodge appeared to Rhoda in a dream for the first time.
Introduces the supernatural encounter that drives the chapter.
“Maddened mentally, and nearly suffocated by pressure, the sleeper struggled; the incubus, still regarding her, withdrew to the foot of the bed, only, however, to come forward by degrees, resume her seat, and flash her left hand as before.”
Rhoda, feeling suffocated and enraged, fought against the ghostly figure, which retreated only to return and taunt her again with its wedding ring.
Describes the intense physical and emotional struggle in the dream.
“Upon the pink round surface of the arm were faint marks of an unhealthy colour, as if produced by a rough grasp.”
Gertrude's arm bore faint, discolored marks that looked like they were made by a tight grip.
Reveals the physical evidence linking the dream to reality.
“O, can it be, that I exercise a malignant power over people against my own will?”
Rhoda wonders if she unconsciously possesses a harmful supernatural influence over others.
Captures Rhoda's growing fear and self-doubt.