The Beetle · Chapter
The Terror in the Night explained
Marjorie Lindon visits Sydney Atherton in a state of extreme agitation, recounting her terrifying experiences.
What happens
Marjorie Lindon visits Sydney Atherton in a state of extreme agitation, recounting her terrifying experiences. She describes finding a mysterious man who uttered the name 'Paul Lessingham,' and later being haunted in her bedroom by an unseen beetle-like presence that she believes is supernatural. Atherton tries to calm her, and they pray together, only for her father, Mr. Lindon, to be revealed as an eavesdropper behind a screen. The chapter deepens the sense of supernatural threat and psychological terror surrounding Marjorie and Paul Lessingham.
Themes in this chapter
Fear and Psychological Terror
Marjorie's vivid description of the beetle-like presence and her loss of control over her own mind exemplify intense psychological terror.
The Supernatural and the Unknown
Marjorie's conviction that she is in the presence of supernatural evil, and the inexplicable beetle phenomenon, highlight the theme of the unknown.
Love and Obsession
Marjorie's profound fear for Paul Lessingham's safety and Atherton's deep emotional response to her distress reflect themes of love and obsession.
Characters to notice
- Marjorie Lindon
Visits Atherton in a terrified state, recounting her encounter with a strange man and the supernatural beetle-like presence that haunted her bedroom.
- Sydney Atherton
Receives Marjorie, tries to calm her, prays with her, and becomes aware of Mr. Lindon's eavesdropping.
- Mr. Lindon
Revealed to have been hiding behind a screen, eavesdropping on Marjorie and Atherton's conversation.
- Paul Lessingham
Mentioned repeatedly by Marjorie as the object of her fear and the name uttered by the mysterious man.
- Robert Holt
Referenced as the man Marjorie found in a fit, who spoke the name 'Paul Lessingham' in a strange voice.
Key passages
“I told you that if trouble overtook me I should come to you, and—I’m in trouble now. Such strange trouble.”
Marjorie reminds Atherton of her promise to seek his help in trouble, and declares that she is now facing a very strange kind of trouble.
Marjorie's opening statement sets the tone of urgent, supernatural distress.
“I felt it—against my face.—And it’s there now.”
Marjorie claims she felt the beetle-like creature touch her face and insists it is still present.
Highlights the visceral, physical horror of the supernatural encounter.
“Pray, Sydney, pray!—I can’t!—I don’t know why, but I can’t!”
Marjorie begs Atherton to pray because she finds herself unable to pray, despite her desire.
Illustrates her spiritual paralysis and the theme of lost connection with the divine.