The Cream of the Jest · Chapter
XXIX: Of Poetic Love: Treated with Poetic Inefficiency explained
Kennaston reflects on his dreams as a form of romantic art, where he experiences love for Ettarre in a way he never could in waking life.
What happens
Kennaston reflects on his dreams as a form of romantic art, where he experiences love for Ettarre in a way he never could in waking life. He contrasts this with his past affairs with married women, which left him emotionally unfulfilled. The chapter culminates in a chance encounter with Muriel Allardyce at the train station, where he momentarily mistakes her for Ettarre but ultimately rejects her plea to run away together, returning to his wife Kathleen.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Idealization
Kennaston's love for Ettarre is idealized and unattainable, contrasting with his disappointing real-life affairs.
Dream vs. Reality
Kennaston finds emotional fulfillment in dreams but remains disillusioned with waking relationships.
Disillusionment and Cynicism
Kennaston's past affairs leave him feeling empty; he views love as sustained by hunger rather than satisfaction.
Characters to notice
- Felix Kennaston
Reflects on his dreams of loving Ettarre, his past affairs, and encounters Muriel Allardyce at the train station.
- La Beale Ettarre
The object of Kennaston's idealized love in his dreams; he momentarily sees her in Muriel's face.
- Muriel Allardyce
Kennaston's former lover, encountered at the train station; she pleads with him to come away with her.
- Mrs. Kennaston
Kathleen, Kennaston's wife, returns from the South; he meets her train and receives her cool kiss.
- Margaret Hugonin
Mentioned among Kennaston's past loves; he recalls being initially attracted by her money.
- Avis Blagden
Muriel's friend, seen approaching at the train station.
Key passages
“Love must look toward something not quite accessible, something not quite understood”
Love requires an element of mystery and unattainability.
Kennaston reflects on why he can only love Ettarre in dreams.
“love did not live, as lovers do, by feeding; but, paradoxically, got strength by hungering”
Love thrives on longing rather than satisfaction.
Kennaston's cynical view of love based on his experiences.
“It was the cream of some supernal jest that he might not touch Ettarre; that done, though but by accident, the dream ended”
The cosmic joke is that touching Ettarre ends the dream.
Explains the rule of Kennaston's dream world.