# II explained — Suspense

> Chapter companion for Suspense by Joseph Conrad.

## What happens

Cosmo is haunted by his encounter with Madame de Montevesso, feeling a strange, prophetic recognition of her. He struggles to write letters home, avoiding any mention of his true feelings. He contemplates leaving Genoa, considering a trip to Livorno or even returning to England by sea, but hesitates. He dines with Doctor Martel, who notices his changed demeanor and suggests he might want to see Napoleon on Elba before it's too late.

## Themes in this chapter

### Isolation and Loneliness

Cosmo feels a profound sense of desolation and seeks to escape his thoughts through noise and travel, highlighting his internal isolation.

### Identity and Displacement

Cosmo feels out of place and without an aim, questioning his desire to travel and feeling disconnected from his former self.

### Fate and Destiny

Cosmo's vision of Madame de Montevesso feels like a prophetic premonition, suggesting a fated connection.

### Political Intrigue and the Napoleonic Era

The chapter is set against the backdrop of the Congress of Vienna and rumors of plots against Napoleon, influencing the characters' sense of uncertainty.

## Character check-ins

### Cosmo Latham

Tormented by his vision of Madame de Montevesso, he struggles to write letters and contemplates leaving Genoa, feeling a loss of purpose.

### Madame de Montevesso

Her image dominates Cosmo's thoughts, evoking a sense of prophetic recognition and awe.

### Spire

Cosmo's valet, who is shocked by his master's strange behavior and suggests he dine in his room.

### The Doctor

Doctor Martel dines with Cosmo, observes his changed state, and advises him on travel, hinting at the urgency of seeing Napoleon.

### Signor Cantelucci

The innkeeper, who is asked about finding horses for Cosmo's carriage.

### Henrietta Latham

The sister to whom Cosmo is writing a long, evasive letter about his travels.

### Adèle

Mentioned in Cosmo's letter to Henrietta, he notes she has become a wonderful person.

## Key lines

> It was like labouring the description of the scenery of a stage after a great play had come to an end.

Writing about the scenery felt pointless, like describing a stage after the performance was over.

_Cosmo finds his letter-writing to be a hollow exercise, as his mind is preoccupied with Madame de Montevesso._

> Cosmo felt a sudden longing to hear noise, lots of it, senseless, loud, common, absurd noise; noise loud enough to prevent one from thinking, the sort of noise that would cause one to become, as it were, insensible.

Cosmo desperately wanted to be surrounded by loud, meaningless noise to drown out his thoughts.

_This shows Cosmo's attempt to escape his overwhelming feelings and inner turmoil._

> The trouble is that you don’t seem to have any aim at all. Isn’t that it?

Doctor Martel points out that Cosmo appears to lack any purpose or direction.

_The Doctor observes Cosmo's listlessness and directly questions his motivation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/suspense_se/chapters/part-iii-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/suspense_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/suspense_se/chapters