Short Fiction · Chapter
II: Odours of Paradise explained
The narrator escapes the oppressive wartime atmosphere of London for the serene Welsh coast of Arfon.
What happens
The narrator escapes the oppressive wartime atmosphere of London for the serene Welsh coast of Arfon. After resting, he investigates oddities in Llantrisant, including a church inexplicably filled with incense. He visits the rector, Mr. Evans, who rebukes him as a 'railer' and refuses to explain the phenomenon. Later, overhearing two women on the beach, he learns of strange domestic rituals and talk of a bright light at midnight, deepening the mystery.
Themes in this chapter
The Urban Mystery
The narrator's investigation into the strange occurrences in Llantrisant, including the incense-filled church and the odd domestic rituals, embodies the theme of uncovering hidden truths in a seemingly peaceful setting.
Supernatural and the Divine
The rector's transformed demeanor and the mysterious 'odours of paradise' suggest a supernatural or divine presence, while the rituals and talk of a bright light at midnight hint at otherworldly events.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Evans
The rector of Llantrisant, now strangely youthful and joyful, rebukes the narrator for his critical articles and refuses to explain the incense in his church.
- Mrs. Morgan
Mentioned as the landlady of one of the women on the beach; her family is heard performing odd domestic rituals.
Key passages
“I went down to Arfon in the very heat and bloom and fragrance of the wonderful summer that they were enjoying there. In London there was no such weather; it rather seemed as if the horror and fury of the war had mounted to the very skies and were there reigning.”
The narrator travels to Arfon during a beautiful summer, contrasting it with London's stormy, war-torn atmosphere.
Establishes the stark contrast between the peace of Wales and the turmoil of London during World War I.
“I went out from his presence rebuked indeed, and justly rebuked; but rather amazed. It is curiously true that the Welsh are still one people, one family almost, in a manner that the English cannot understand, but I had never thought that this old clergyman would have known anything of my ancestry or their doings.”
The narrator is surprised and humbled by the rector's knowledge of his family history and his rebuke.
Highlights the close-knit nature of Welsh society and the narrator's underestimation of local knowledge.
“I hear them saying the most alarming things! ... 'Blessed be God for the messengers of Paradise.' 'Blessed be His Name for Paradise in the meat and in the drink.' 'Thanksgiving for the old offering.' 'Thanksgiving for the appearance of the old altar,' 'Praise for the joy of the ancient garden.' 'Praise for the return of those that have been long absent.'”
The Welsh woman on the beach recounts the strange prayers she overheard from the Morgan family.
Introduces the mysterious domestic rituals that hint at a hidden religious or supernatural practice in Llantrisant.