Sinister Street · Chapter
XVII: The Last Day explained
On the morning after the Christ Church ball, Michael lingers alone in Oxford, reading Manon Lescaut and reflecting on beauty and departure.
What happens
On the morning after the Christ Church ball, Michael lingers alone in Oxford, reading Manon Lescaut and reflecting on beauty and departure. He decides to visit Guy Hazlewood at Wychford instead of returning to London, and encourages Alan to pursue Stella. After seeing his mother and Stella off, Michael travels to London, feeling depressed, and ends up at the Oxford Music-hall.
Themes in this chapter
The Passage of Time and Memory
Michael's final morning in Oxford is filled with a sense of fleeting beauty and the inevitability of departure.
Love and Obsession
Michael reads Manon Lescaut, a tale of obsessive love, and reflects on Alan and Stella's relationship.
Friendship and Betrayal
Michael's supportive conversation with Alan about Stella contrasts with his earlier confiscation of the book.
Characters to notice
- Michael Fane
Spends the last morning in Oxford reading Manon Lescaut, plans to visit Guy Hazlewood, and encourages Alan to marry Stella.
- Alan Merivale
Drives Michael's mother and Stella back to the Randolph; discusses his engagement to Stella with Michael.
- Stella Cunningham
Waits impatiently at the Randolph; embraces Michael and expresses her affection.
- Mrs. Fane
Accepts Michael's plan to stay away from London with her usual calm; is taken aside by Michael for a private word.
- Guy Hazlewood
Mentioned as the friend Michael plans to visit at Wychford.
- Porcher
Surprised to find Michael awake and reproaches him for tiring himself.
Key passages
“At sunrise when the stones of Oxford were the color of lavender, a photograph was taken of those who had been dancing at the Christ Church ball; after which, their gaiety recorded, the revelers went home.”
At dawn, a photo captured the Christ Church ball dancers; then they went home.
Opening scene of the chapter.
“It was Manon Lescaut, and Michael was pleased that the opportunity was given to him of reading a book he had for a long time meant to read.”
Michael found Manon Lescaut and was glad to finally read it.
Michael discovers the book.
“It’s a most extraordinary thing, said Alan slowly, that the moment you think there’s a chance of my marrying your sister, you drop me like a hot brick.”
Alan accused Michael of abandoning him now that he might marry Stella.
Alan's reaction to Michael's plan.