The Great Impersonation · Chapter
Chapter X explained
Dominey is attacked in his sleep by Rosamund, who holds a dagger to his throat but withdraws.
What happens
Dominey is attacked in his sleep by Rosamund, who holds a dagger to his throat but withdraws. Later, she summons him to her apartment, where she confesses her lost desire to kill him and speaks of her haunting by Roger Unthank's spirit. Dominey struggles with his emotions and the unreality of the situation.
Themes in this chapter
Madness and Memory
Rosamund's erratic behavior, her talk of spirits, and her shifting desire to kill Dominey highlight themes of mental instability and haunted memory.
Love and Sacrifice
Dominey's emotional response to Rosamund and his willingness to endure danger for her sake reflect themes of love and sacrifice.
Characters to notice
- Sir Everard Dominey
Attacked in his sleep, summoned by Rosamund, and emotionally shaken by her change of heart.
- Rosamund Dominey
Attempts to kill Dominey but withdraws; later confesses her lost desire to kill him and speaks of being haunted by Roger Unthank.
- Mrs. Unthank
Delivers Rosamund's summons to Dominey, showing clear antagonism.
Key passages
“I have sent for you because I do not understand why, quite suddenly last night, after I had made up my mind, I lost the desire to kill you.”
Rosamund explains that she has inexplicably lost her urge to murder Dominey.
Key moment of Rosamund's change of heart.
“Every week, sometimes oftener, he calls to me. If I went away, his spirit would break loose and follow me. I must be here to wave my hand; then he goes away.”
Rosamund believes she must stay to appease Roger Unthank's spirit.
Illustrates Rosamund's haunted state and the theme of madness.