# A Bringer of Tidings explained — The Beetle

> Chapter companion for The Beetle by Richard Marsh.

## What happens

Atherton bursts into Champnell's office in a frantic state, urgently demanding Champnell's immediate assistance. He reveals his belief that the Beetle has captured Marjorie Lindon. Lessingham, who is also present, reacts with violent fury, attacking Atherton before they are forced to unite in their shared urgency to rescue her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fear and Psychological Terror

The chapter is driven by Atherton's frantic fear and Lessingham's violent rage, both stemming from the imminent threat to Marjorie's life and soul.

### Love and Obsession

Both Atherton and Lessingham's intense reactions are rooted in their love for Marjorie, with Lessingham's fury and Atherton's desperation highlighting the obsessive nature of their feelings.

### The Foreign and the Occult

The Beetle is referred to as an 'Oriental friend' and an 'infernal conjurer,' linking the threat directly to foreign and occult forces.

## Character check-ins

### Sydney Atherton

Bursts in frantically, urging Champnell to act; reveals his belief that the Beetle has taken Marjorie; is attacked by Lessingham but later offers a handshake.

### Augustus Champnell

The narrator; is present in his office when Atherton arrives; attempts to calm the situation and points out Lessingham's presence.

### Paul Lessingham

Present in Champnell's office; reacts with explosive rage upon hearing of Marjorie's danger, physically attacking Atherton before being somewhat mollified.

### Marjorie Lindon

Referenced as the woman in peril; Atherton believes she has been captured by the Beetle.

### The Beetle

Referenced as the 'Oriental friend' and 'infernal conjurer' who Atherton believes has taken Marjorie.

## Key lines

> I believe that that Oriental friend of yours has got her in her clutches⁠—if it is a 'her;' goodness alone knows what the infernal conjurer's real sex may be.

Atherton declares his conviction that the Beetle has captured Marjorie, expressing uncertainty about the creature's gender.

_Highlights the theme of the foreign and occult, and the ambiguity of the Beetle's identity._

> If so much as a hair of her head is injured you shall repay it me ten thousandfold!⁠—You mischief-making, intermeddling, jealous fool!

Lessingham, in a fury, threatens Atherton with dire consequences if Marjorie is harmed, blaming him for meddling.

_Demonstrates Lessingham's passionate love and his capacity for violent rage._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/chapters/xxxv-a-bringer-of-tidings
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beetle_se/chapters