The Documents in the Case · Chapter
The Same to the Same explained
This chapter is a letter from Lolo to Petra, written on August 2nd, 1929.
What happens
This chapter is a letter from Lolo to Petra, written on August 2nd, 1929. Lolo reflects on a secret, passionate evening they shared, which was made possible by the Gorgon being called away and the maid having the night off. She expresses her belief that their love is natural and not sinful, contrasting it with the Gorgon's unnaturalness. She references a sermon by Mr. Perry about the Law and the Gospel, and a play called 'The Sacred Flame' that angered the Gorgon, which she sees as a courageous statement about removing the useless to make way for love and youth. Lolo ends by pleading with Petra to find a way for them to be together, even if it leads to shame and disgrace.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Gender Roles
Lolo's letter challenges the conventional roles within marriage, framing her love for Petra as natural and the Gorgon's denial of love as unnatural.
Repression and Psychoanalysis
Lolo's discussion of sin, natural law, and the 'Gorgon's' unnaturalness touches on themes of repressed desires and societal constraints.
Poison and Deception
The secretive nature of Lolo and Petra's affair, and the deception of the Gorgon, are central to the chapter's events.
Characters to notice
- Lolo
The author of the letter, expressing her love for Petra and her frustration with the Gorgon.
- Petra
The recipient of the letter, Lolo's lover.
- The Gorgon
Referred to as the person who denies Lolo love and is described as unnatural and abnormal.
- Mr. Perry
A parish priest whose sermon on the Law and the Gospel is mentioned by Lolo.
Key passages
“That we should save that last, wonderful evening out of the wreck—so perfect, so unspeakably wonderful—our evening of marvellous love.”
Lolo marvels that they were able to salvage one perfect, beautiful evening of love from the ruins of their situation.
Highlights the preciousness and secrecy of their time together.
“I can’t believe it was sin—no one could commit a sin and be so happy. Sin doesn’t exist, the conventional kind of sin, I mean—only lovingness and unlovingness—people like you and me, and people like him.”
Lolo argues that their love cannot be sinful because it brings such happiness, redefining sin as a lack of love rather than a violation of conventional rules.
Shows Lolo's moral justification for her affair.
“Get rid of the ugly and sick and weak and worn-out things, and let youth and love and happiness have their chance.”
Lolo agrees with the play's message that the weak and useless should be removed to make way for the young and loving.
Reveals a ruthless philosophy that foreshadows darker events.