# II explained — The Hill of Dreams > Chapter companion for The Hill of Dreams by Arthur Machen. ## What happens Lucian Taylor endures the agony of waiting for a publishing decision from Messrs. Beit, only to have his manuscript rejected. He later discovers that his work has been plagiarized by another author, Mr. Ritson, whose book is published by the same firm. Amidst creative struggle and a brief resurgence of inspiration, Lucian resolves to write a better book but soon falls back into despair. ## Themes in this chapter ### Creative Struggle and Despair Lucian's agonizing wait for a publishing decision, his rejection, and his subsequent creative blocks and despair highlight the torment of the artistic process. ### Art vs. Commerce The contrast between Lucian's serious literary ambition and the commercial success of authors like Mrs. Runnymede and the plagiarist Mr. Ritson underscores the tension between art and market demands. ### The Pain of Literary Life Lucian's experience of rejection, plagiarism, and self-doubt exemplifies the emotional and psychological hardships faced by writers. ## Character check-ins ### Lucian Taylor Lucian experiences the torment of waiting for his manuscript's fate, receives rejection, and later discovers his work plagiarized. He also has a moment of renewed creative inspiration. ### Mr. Taylor Mr. Taylor observes Lucian with newfound respect and amazement, noting his son's calm demeanor and handsome appearance after the rejection. ### Miss Deacon Miss Deacon contributes to the evening discussion with remarks about writing being unsettling and foolish to entrust property to strangers. ### Mr. Ritson Mr. Ritson is the author who plagiarized Lucian's manuscript, publishing it as 'The Chorus in Green' to critical acclaim. ### Mrs. Runnymede Mrs. Runnymede is mentioned as a successful author on Messrs. Beit's list, representing the commercial literary establishment that rejected Lucian's work. ## Key lines > A man could do no good who put himself into a position of such violent antagonism against his fellow-creatures; so Lucian rebuked his heart, saying that he was old enough to know better. Lucian tells himself that being hostile to others is pointless and that he should know better at his age. _Lucian's internal admonition after a moment of bitterness._ > He had gained enough experience at twenty-three to know that editors and publishers must not be hurried; but his book had been lying at Messrs. Beit’s office for more than three months. At twenty-three, Lucian understands that publishers take time, but three months of waiting is still agonizing. _Describes Lucian's anxious wait for a response from the publisher._ > He simply forgot his old book, and resolved that he would make a better one if he could. Lucian decides to move on from the rejection and try to write a superior book. _Lucian's initial determination after the rejection._ > The passage selected for high praise was taken almost word for word from the manuscript now resting in his room, the work that had not reached the high standard of Messrs. Beit & Co. The praised passage in the review is nearly identical to Lucian's rejected manuscript. _Lucian discovers that his work has been plagiarized by Mr. Ritson._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hill_of_dreams_se/chapters/ii - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hill_of_dreams_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_hill_of_dreams_se/chapters