The Charwoman’s Shadow · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Charwoman’s Shadow by Lord Dunsany.
Chapter 1
I: The Lord of the Tower Finds a Career for His Son
Ramon Alonzo is called by his father, the Lord of the Tower, who explains the family's need for gold to fund his sister Mirandola's dowry. The father reveals that the rocky soil yields little wealth and suggests Ramon pursue magic, the Black Art, as a career. He recounts how his own father once met a magician in the mountains and obtained a scroll of friendship. Ramon is to take this scroll and seek out the magician. Despite his hesitation about telling Father Joseph, Ramon agrees and plans to leave the next morning. He bids farewell to Mirandola in the garden, and the chapter ends with him traveling alone at dusk toward the mountains.
Chapter 2
II: Ramon Alonzo Comes to the House in the Wood
Ramon Alonzo, traveling alone through a dark and stormy wood, seeks the house of a magician. A terrified stranger warns him away, but Ramon presses on. Using a scroll written by the magician as a spell, he conjures the house into view. The magician welcomes him, recalling a debt to Ramon's grandfather for teaching him boar hunting. The magician speaks of the Art, his elixir vitae, and the pursuit of wisdom, while Ramon expresses his desire to learn alchemy to restore his family's fortune.
Chapter 3
III: The Charwoman Tells of Her Loss
Ramon Alonzo is led by the Master of the Art to a decaying bedroom in the magician's house. After the Master leaves, an ancient crone—the charwoman—visits Ramon and warns him not to give the Master anything, as his prices are too high. She reveals that she has no shadow, having traded it to the Master for a form of immortality. She laments the loss of her shadow and the social ostracism she endures as a result, and Ramon is moved by her sorrow.
Chapter 4
IV: Ramon Alonzo Learns a Mystery Known to the Reader
Ramon Alonzo, having been warned by the charwoman about the price of shadows, resolves never to part with his own. He meets the magician, who offers to teach him the transmutation of metals in exchange for his shadow. Ramon refuses, and instead bargains to learn the mystery of reading for half his eyesight, hoping to discover the secret of gold-making on his own.
Chapter 5
V: Ramon Alonzo Learns of the Box
Ramon Alonzo learns the alphabet from the Master, explores the dark house, and meets the charwoman Dockweed, who reveals that her shadow is locked in a box in the magician's room. Despite her warnings about the price of learning, Ramon becomes determined to find and open the box to return her shadow. He continues his studies, reading single and then multi-syllable words, while learning about imps and Hindu chants. A letter from his father arrives via Peter.
Chapter 6
VII: Ramon Alonzo Follows the Art
Ramon Alonzo receives a letter from his father via the magician, reads it alone, and decides to trade his shadow for the knowledge of making gold. The magician creates a false shadow as a copy, severs Ramon's true shadow, and locks it in the shadow-box. The magician then lectures on the philosopher's stone and the corrupting power of gold. Ramon, feeling homesick, asks for a half-holiday to visit Aragona, which the magician grants. Afterward, Ramon tells the charwoman about the shadow-box, hoping to rescue her shadow, unaware that his own shadow has been taken.
Chapter 7
VIII: Ramon Alonzo Shares the Idleness of the Maidens of Aragona
Ramon Alonzo, having traded his shadow for knowledge, visits the village of Aragona and spends a frivolous afternoon with a band of maidens, sharing their idleness and laughter. He returns late to the magician's house, narrowly avoiding trouble, and dreams of the charwoman's face.
Chapter 8
IX: The Technique of Alchemy
Ramon Alonzo tries to comfort the charwoman by describing Aragona's beauty and promises to get her a shadow from the Master. The magician reluctantly agrees but the charwoman refuses, lamenting that Ramon's own shadow is a false one made by the Master. The Master then delivers a lecture on alchemy, focusing on the difficulty of transmuting lead into gold due to the problem of color. Ramon, distracted by his own concerns, decides to wait before approaching the charwoman again.
Chapter 9
X: The Exposure of the False Shadows
Ramon Alonzo learns more about the philosopher's stone but is distracted by the lure of leisure and companionship. He leaves the magician's house against warnings, spends the day with maidens Ariona and Lolun, and returns late. As the sun sets, the girls notice his shadow is unnaturally short, exposing his false shadow and causing them to flee in terror.
Chapter 10
XI: The Chill of Space
Ramon Alonzo realizes the shadow he received from the magician is a static, artificial patch of gloom that cannot grow, unlike a true shadow. He feels isolated and jealous of natural shadows, and the rumor spreads in Aragona that he has trafficked in dark arts. He returns to the magician's house, where the charwoman reveals that the magician is sending their shadows on terrifying journeys through space to communicate with evil spirits, causing them both to experience an unearthly chill. After the shadows return, Ramon vows to rescue the charwoman's shadow from the magician's tyranny.
Chapter 11
XII: Mirandola Demands a Love-Potion
Ramon Alonzo continues his studies with the magician, but his mind is preoccupied with plans to reclaim his shadow and help the charwoman. He receives a letter from his sister Mirandola, who asks for a love-potion instead of gold. Ramon attempts to bargain with the magician to return his shadow, but the magician refuses, claiming the shadow is his fee for teaching Ramon the secret of the oneness of matter. Ramon then asks to be taught how to make a love-potion instead of gold-making, and the magician agrees.
Chapter 12
XIII: Ramon Alonzo Compounds the Potion
Ramon Alonzo prepares a love potion for Mirandola using ingredients from the magician's laboratory, then visits the charwoman to discuss his plan to steal the spell syllables from the shadow-box. They plot together, with Ramon promising to rescue her shadow, and he departs before the magician awakens.
Chapter 13
XIV: The Folk of Aragona Strike for the Faith
Ramon Alonzo, having delayed too long with the charwoman, emerges from the wood at noon and must wait for shadows to lengthen before traveling. He reflects scornfully on the world's obsession with shadows, yet feels the outcast's impulse to hide. When he approaches Aragona at sunset, villagers recognize him as 'the man with the bad shadow,' ring the bells against magic, and gather to drive him away. He retreats to the hillside, hungry and despairing, questioning his own materiality and salvation. Later, four men with swords ambush him in the dark, crying 'For the Faith!' He fights them off, wounds the lantern-bearer, and flees, pursued by a crowd that curses him in the name of saints and the king—though he notes the fuss is really about a shadow.
Chapter 14
XV: Ramon Alonzo Talks of Technique and Muddles His Father
Ramon Alonzo wanders through the night, reflecting on the worthlessness of shadows and the absurdity of the village's violent reaction to his missing shadow. He hides in the forest near his home, waiting for the sun to shorten all shadows so his deficiency is less noticeable. He secretly gives Mirandola the love potion vial, then faces his parents' questions about his magical studies. He evades his father's inquiries about gold-making by burying him in technicalities, protecting Mirandola's secret. His father discusses the urgency of Mirandola's marriage to Gulvarez and the need for gold for her dowry. Ramon Alonzo speaks briefly with his mother and Mirandola before returning to the forest.
Chapter 15
XVI: The Work of Father Joseph
Mirandola, puzzled by her brother Ramon Alonzo's sudden departure, seeks the help of Father Joseph. Through careful questioning, Father Joseph deduces that Ramon may be hiding something, possibly related to his shadow. Meanwhile, preparations for the Duke of Shadow Valley's visit consume the household, with Father Joseph lending his agile mind to the planning, including the awkward accommodation of Gulvarez and his men in a loft over the stables.
Chapter 16
XVII: The Three Fair Fields
The Duke and Gulvarez arrive at the Tower for a visit. Mirandola, carrying a magical vial from her brother, participates in the flower-strewing welcome. The Lord of the Tower negotiates with Gulvarez over the betrothal of Mirandola, sacrificing three fair fields as part of the bargain. During the banquet, Mirandola serves wine first to Gulvarez, then to the Duke, displaying a mysterious and determined demeanor that puzzles Father Joseph.
Chapter 17
XVIII: The Love-Potion
The Duke of Shadow Valley falls violently ill after dining at the Tower, suspecting poisoned or cheap wine. His anger isolates him, refusing food or drink from anyone except Mirandola, who eventually brings him wine. Father Joseph learns from Mirandola that she administered a love-potion, which she fears was mixed badly by her brother Ramon. The household remains anxious as the Duke's condition and fury persist.
Chapter 18
Father Joseph Explains How the Laity Have No Need of the Pen
Ramon Alonzo visits Father Joseph under the pretense of learning penmanship as a knightly accomplishment, but secretly copies the three magical syllables needed to open the shadow-box. Father Joseph grows suspicious as he observes the sinister symbols, and later consults Brother Aloysius, who confirms the marks are a heathen spell. Meanwhile, Ramon learns of the Duke's accidental poisoning by the love-potion and resolves to trick the magician into reading the spell for him.
Chapter 19
XX: The Magician Imitates a Way of the Gods
The Master broods on cosmic mysteries beyond human concern while Ramon Alonzo returns, frustrated by his failed love potion. Ramon attempts to trick the Master into revealing the syllables of the spell to open the shadow box, successfully obtaining the first syllable 'Ting' by presenting a forged parchment. He shares his plan with the charwoman, who expresses doubt, but Ramon remains determined to rescue both their shadows. The Master, sensing Ramon's scheme, refuses to take back the false shadow, and Ramon retreats to plan his next move.
Chapter 20
XXI: White Magic Comes to the Wood
Ramon Alonzo walks disconsolately through the wood, troubled by the prospect of having two shadows. He writes the second syllable of the spell on parchment when magical creatures flee in terror, followed by Father Joseph on a mule. Father Joseph uses holy water to banish Ramon's false shadow, warns him of the dire consequences of dying without his true shadow, and urges him to recover it at all costs. Ramon hurries back to complete his spell, anxious about the magician's cooperation.
Chapter 21
XXII: Ramon Alonzo Crosses a Sword with Magic
Shadowless and desperate, Ramon Alonzo confronts the magician to demand his shadow back, but the Master refuses, claiming the shadow is his just fee for teaching rare knowledge. Ramon draws his sword, and the magician fights back with a magical lightning blade, searing Ramon's arm and driving him from the room. Defeated and despairing, Ramon believes his soul is damned. The charwoman (Anemone) tries to comfort him, mentioning the first syllable of the spell, 'Ting,' which plants a fragile hope in his mind.
Chapter 22
XXIII: The Plan of Ramon Alonzo
Ramon Alonzo, desperate to reclaim his shadow, attempts to open the magician's shadow-box but fails. He recalls the charwoman's mention of 'Tong or Tang' and devises a plan to systematically test spell syllables. He feigns study of Persian magic while secretly working on the box at night. After repeating thousands of spells, he discovers that the padlock quivers at the syllable 'Yung' but does not open. He continues his vigil, determined to find the correct incantation.
Chapter 23
XXIV: Ramon Alonzo Dances with His Shadow
Ramon Alonzo, having deduced two-thirds of the spell to open the shadow box, spends a feverish night trying every possible final syllable. At dawn, he succeeds with 'Ting Yung Han,' opens the box, and retrieves his own shadow. Overjoyed, he dances with it, then searches for the charwoman's shadow among the collection but cannot find it. He also discovers a delicate girl's shadow that captivates him, vowing to find her.
Chapter 24
XXV: The Release of the Shadow
The charwoman reveals her past beauty and how the magician took her shadow. Ramon retrieves her shadow from the shadow-box and returns it to her, though he grieves for the loss of the beautiful shadow he loved. They flee from the magician through the house and into the wood, escaping his pursuit.
Chapter 25
XXVI: The Wonderful Casting
Ramon Alonzo prepares to return the young shadow to the charwoman, believing it will end his brief love and transform her back to her withered form. As he kneels to attach the shadow, it does not change shape; instead, the charwoman's body transforms into a young girl, Anemone. The shadow, a real substance, overcomes the magical years that had aged her. Anemone explains that the bargain is over and her true self has returned, though her memories of magic fade. Ramon realizes that love has become his true illusion, eclipsing all others.
Chapter 26
XXVII: They Dread That a Witch Has Ridden from the Country Towards Moon's Rising
Ramon Alonzo and Anemone wander away from the wood, with Anemone's memories of her past fading as she seems younger. Ramon comforts her, but she grows puzzled by talk of the past. They speak of her childhood in Aragona, but Ramon realizes that Aragona is now hostile to him because of his bad shadow. They decide to go to Aragona in the evening to show his shadow is normal, but prejudices die slowly. Peter brings a letter from Ramon's father, which first seems good but then troubles Ramon. Anemone worries about her reception at the Tower due to her low birth, but Ramon reassures her, thinking of Gulvarez as a worse candidate.
Chapter 27
XXVIII: Gonsalvo Sings What Had Been the Latest Air from Provence
The Duke lies ill with a strange fury, tended only by Mirandola. Gulvarez sings a love song, but Mirandola fears the Duke's wrath. Gonsalvo sings an old Provençal tune, stirring melancholy. Father Joseph visits Ramon in the wood. The household remains hushed, awaiting the Duke's recovery. Mirandola's influence over the Duke grows, and plans are made to avert his anger.
Chapter 28
XXIX: The Casket of Silver and Oak Is Given to Señor Gulvarez
On the seventh day of the Duke's illness, Gonsalvo visits his beloved fields and encounters Gulvarez, who also admires them. Gulvarez grows impatient waiting for Mirandola, who is attending the Duke. The Duke recovers and prepares to leave. Gonsalvo dictates a letter to Father Joseph, then walks his fields at evening. The Duke, escorting Mirandola, confesses his sorrow at leaving and proposes marriage. Mirandola reveals her engagement to Gulvarez; the Duke threatens to hang him but relents at her plea. She accepts the Duke's proposal. Gonsalvo and Gulvarez emerge from hiding, Gonsalvo relieved, Gulvarez brooding.
Chapter 29
XXX: The End of the Golden Age
Ramon Alonzo receives a letter from his father demanding he marry a woman of noble birth, threatening his engagement to Anemone. He meets his sister Mirandola and the Duke in the forest, reveals his predicament, and the Duke offers to write to the King for a pardon of Anemone's low birth. Meanwhile, the Master magician, feeling abandoned, destroys his elixir of life, takes up a flute, and leads all magical creatures out of Spain and across Europe, marking the end of the Golden Age.
