The Beetle · Chapter
VII: The Great Paul Lessingham explained
Robert Holt, under the Beetle's control, confronts Paul Lessingham in his study.
What happens
Robert Holt, under the Beetle's control, confronts Paul Lessingham in his study. Lessingham initially maintains his famous composure but is deeply shaken when Holt utters the word 'the beetle,' triggering a terrified reaction. Lessingham's attempts to regain control falter as he reveals fear of a past connection to the Rue de Rabagas. When servants arrive, Lessingham orders them to subdue Holt, but Holt again cries 'the beetle,' plunging the room into darkness and chaos, allowing Holt to flee.
Themes in this chapter
Fear and Psychological Terror
Lessingham's transformation from composed politician to trembling, terrified man illustrates the psychological terror inflicted by the Beetle's influence.
The Supernatural and the Unknown
The Beetle's control over Holt and the supernatural darkness that descends upon the room highlight the presence of inexplicable, malevolent forces.
The Foreign and the Occult
Lessingham's allusion to the Rue de Rabagas and his fear of a past connected to foreign, occult experiences underscore the theme of the exotic and threatening.
Characters to notice
- Robert Holt
Under the Beetle's possession, Holt confronts Paul Lessingham, speaking in a voice not his own and uttering 'the beetle' to terrorize him.
- Paul Lessingham
The great politician is initially composed but becomes terrified and disoriented upon hearing 'the beetle,' revealing a hidden past and fear of the occult.
- The Beetle
Controls Holt, using him to confront Lessingham and invoking terror through the mere mention of its name, causing darkness and chaos.
- Matthews
Lessingham's servant, roused by a noise, enters to find Holt and is ordered to assist in subduing the intruder.
Key passages
“He was in evening dress. He carried a small portfolio in his left hand. If the discovery of my presence startled him, as it could scarcely have failed to do, he allowed no sign of surprise to escape him.”
Lessingham entered in formal attire, holding a portfolio, and showed no visible shock at finding Holt in his study.
Introduces Lessingham's famed composure, which is soon shattered.
“When he spoke, it was without moving from where he stood, and in the calm, airy tones in which he might have addressed an acquaintance who had just dropped in.”
He spoke calmly and casually, as if Holt were an expected guest.
Highlights Lessingham's initial control and social poise.
“As he came on, something entered into me, and forced itself from between my lips, so that I said, in a low, hissing voice, which I vow was never mine, ' The beetle! '”
An external force compelled Holt to hiss the word 'the beetle' in a voice not his own.
Demonstrates the Beetle's possession and the trigger for Lessingham's terror.
“When the mist of the blackness—real or supposititious—had passed from before my eyes, I found that he had retreated to the extremest limits of the room, and was crouching, his back against the bookshelves, clutching at them, in the attitude of a man who has received a staggering blow.”
After a moment of darkness, Holt saw Lessingham cowering against the bookshelves, as if struck by a devastating shock.
Illustrates the immediate and profound effect of the word on Lessingham.
“He began to talk to himself, out loud, in odd disconnected sentences—apparently ignoring me entirely. 'What was that?—It was nothing.—It was my imagination.—My nerves are out of order.—I have been working too hard.—I am not well.— What’s that? '”
Lessingham muttered disjointed phrases to himself, trying to rationalize his fear and blaming his nerves.
Shows his psychological unraveling and denial.
“Suddenly he broke into cries. 'Matthews! Matthews!—Help! help!'”
Lessingham suddenly shouted for his servant Matthews to come to his aid.
Marks his complete loss of composure and reliance on others.
