The Cloven Foot · Chapter
At the Morgue explained
John Treverton, unable to sleep, reflects on his past life and his marriage to Zaïre Chicot.
What happens
John Treverton, unable to sleep, reflects on his past life and his marriage to Zaïre Chicot. He recalls a disturbing incident in Paris where they witnessed a dead man being taken to the Morgue; Zaïre's extreme reaction suggests a hidden connection to the deceased.
Themes in this chapter
Secrets and Deception
John Treverton's hidden past with Zaïre Chicot and the mysterious connection between Zaïre and the dead man at the Morgue.
Bohemianism vs. Respectability
John's internal conflict between his former Bohemian life as Jack Chicot and his current respectable identity as master of Hazlehurst Manor.
Love and Marriage
John's remorse over his marriage to Zaïre, contrasting with his devotion to Laura.
Characters to notice
- John Treverton
Sits in his study at midnight, tormented by guilt and memories of his past with Zaïre.
- Laura Malcolm
Asleep in the bedroom, having sobbed herself to exhaustion; John kisses her tear-stained cheek.
- La Chicot
Recalled in John's memory: her past in Paris, her rise as a dancer, and her hysterical reaction at the Morgue.
- Zaïre Chicot
The same as La Chicot; John remembers her telling him about her journey to Paris and her career.
Key passages
“My sins have fallen heavily upon you, my poor girl”
John acknowledges that his past mistakes have caused Laura great suffering.
Reflects John's guilt and sense of responsibility for the pain his secrets have caused.
“I never had a friend in Brittany for whom I cared that”
Zaïre claims she had no meaningful relationships in her hometown.
Highlights Zaïre's cold, self-centered nature and her detachment from her past.
“Don't let me see him! ... You are holding me against the glass—you are forcing me to look at him.”
Zaïre, in a nightmare, pleads with John to stop making her look at the dead man.
Suggests a traumatic personal connection between Zaïre and the deceased sailor.