The Cream of the Jest · Chapter
XV: Of Vain Regret and Wonder in the Dark explained
In a dark dream, Kennaston, as the rogue Vanringham, converses with a woman (Ettarre) outside a door, debating his base reputation and his yearning for purity.
What happens
In a dark dream, Kennaston, as the rogue Vanringham, converses with a woman (Ettarre) outside a door, debating his base reputation and his yearning for purity. He recognizes the dream as such and feels a noble sorrow. When the door opens, Ettarre sees Horvendile and they acknowledge sharing the same dream. Kennaston awakens at his writing-table, resolves to discard the sigil, but doubts his own resolve.
Themes in this chapter
Dream vs. Reality
Kennaston consciously recognizes the dream as a dream, yet it feels real; the boundary blurs when Ettarre and Horvendile share the same dream.
The Limitations of the Flesh
Vanringham laments his base deeds and the flesh's frailty, yearning for a clean life he cannot attain.
Love and Idealization
Vanringham's veneration of the lady's purity and his hopeless longing reflect idealized love.
Characters to notice
- Felix Kennaston
Dreams as the rogue Vanringham, experiencing a noble sorrow and recognizing the dream as such.
- La Beale Ettarre
Appears as the woman in the dream; her loveliness is revealed when the door opens.
- Horvendile
Recognized by Ettarre in the dream; she exclaims they are having the same dream again.
- Maugis d'Aigremont
Quoted by Kennaston upon waking, reflecting on wickedness and the boy he once was.
- Muriel Allardyce
Recalled by Kennaston as standing similarly in a doorway at the Royal Hotel.
Key passages
“I am not all base.”
Kennaston, as Vanringham, insists he has some redeeming virtue despite his notorious reputation.
Reflects the theme of moral complexity and the search for meaning.
“I look upon you, madam, in such a rapture of veneration and tenderness and joy and heartbreaking yearning, that it is necessary I get very tipsy tonight, and strive to forget that I, too, might have lived cleanlily.”
Vanringham's adoration for the lady is so intense that he must drink to forget the clean life he could have led.
Highlights the tension between idealization and the limitations of the flesh.
“La, it is Horvendile! and we are having the same dream again!”
Ettarre recognizes Horvendile and realizes they are sharing the same dream once more.
Key moment blurring dream and reality, linking Kennaston's dream to Horvendile's realm.