# XVIII explained — The Haunted Hotel

> Chapter companion for The Haunted Hotel by Wilkie Collins.

## What happens

Francis Westwick arrives in Venice to investigate the haunted room for his theatre. He reserves Room 13A and experiences a mysterious, revolting odor that no one else can smell, leading him to question his own senses.

## Themes in this chapter

### Supernatural and the Unknown

Francis Westwick's encounter with a mysterious odor that only he perceives suggests an unexplained supernatural presence in Room 13A.

### Deception and Secrets

The manager's scheme to use Francis as a witness to vindicate the room's reputation hints at hidden truths and manipulation.

## Character check-ins

### Francis Westwick

Arrives in Venice, reserves Room 13A, and experiences a mysterious odor that only he can smell.

### Henry Westwick

Mentioned as having joined Francis in Milan and transferred charge of Mrs. Norbury.

### Mrs. Norbury

Mentioned as being transferred to Henry Westwick's charge.

## Key lines

> He became conscious of a mysteriously offensive odour in the room, entirely new in his experience of revolting smells.

Francis suddenly noticed a strange, repulsive smell in the room that he had never encountered before.

_Francis's unique sensory experience sets the stage for the supernatural theme._

> The room is as fresh and sweet as a room can be, he answered.

The scene-painter declared the room smelled perfectly normal and pleasant.

_Contrasts Francis's perception with that of others, emphasizing the mysterious nature of the odor._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_haunted_hotel_se/chapters/xviii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_haunted_hotel_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_haunted_hotel_se/chapters