The Four Feathers · Chapter
XII: Durrance Sharpens His Wits explained
At Wadi Halfa, three officers discuss the overdue return of Colonel Durrance from an expedition.
What happens
At Wadi Halfa, three officers discuss the overdue return of Colonel Durrance from an expedition. Lieutenant Calder, who suspects Durrance has been blinded, reveals that Durrance visited Tewfikieh before his departure. Durrance eventually returns, and Calder confirms his blindness by placing a pipe in his outstretched hand. Durrance, now blind, asks Calder to read his letters, including two from Ethne Eustace. He expresses relief that she refused him, fearing he would become a burden. Calder, however, suspects a deeper emotion in her letters and questions the doctor about Durrance's condition.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Loneliness
Durrance's blindness isolates him, and he fears becoming a burden. His relief at not being engaged to Ethne highlights his sense of solitude.
Perception and Reality
Durrance's blindness forces him to rely on others, and Calder's discovery of his condition reveals the gap between his public facade and private reality.
Friendship and Loyalty
Calder's loyalty to Durrance is shown through his careful handling of Durrance's blindness and his concern for his friend's well-being.
Characters to notice
- Durrance
Returns to Wadi Halfa blind, concealing his condition. He expresses relief that Ethne refused him, fearing he would become a burden.
- Lieutenant Calder
The one man at Wadi Halfa close to Durrance. He discovers Durrance's blindness and reads his letters, suspecting a deeper emotion in Ethne's correspondence.
- Colonel Dawson
Colonel of a Sudanese battalion, anxious about Durrance's overdue return.
- Major Walters
An officer of the Army Service Corps who offers a cheerful prophecy about Durrance's return.
- Ethne Eustace
Her letters to Durrance are read by Calder, revealing her warm friendliness and interest in his career.
Key passages
“I hope that no harm has come to him,” he said, as he threw the match away. “I wish that I could say I believed it.”
Colonel Dawson expresses his worry about Durrance's safety, admitting he fears the worst.
Shows the anxiety among the officers about Durrance's delayed return.
“You will have to help me to answer them, Calder. So read them. Please read them.”
Durrance asks Calder to read his letters, acknowledging his need for assistance due to his blindness.
Highlights Durrance's vulnerability and reliance on Calder.
“Suppose that I had been engaged to her! She would never have allowed me to break it off, once I had gone blind. What an escape!”
Durrance expresses relief that Ethne refused him, believing she would have felt obligated to stay with him despite his blindness.
Reveals Durrance's fear of being a burden and his sense of isolation.