# Chapter II explained — The Last Man

> Chapter companion for The Last Man by Mary Shelley.

## What happens

Raymond becomes increasingly melancholic and secluded, haunted by Evadne's prophecy of his death. He confides in Lionel Verney, expressing his belief that he will die in the siege of Constantinople due to the plague. He entrusts Perdita and Clara to Lionel's care. The Greek army, demoralized by tales of plague, begins to disband. Raymond resolves to stay and conquer Constantinople or die trying, sending Lionel to request reinforcements from Karazza.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fate and Free Will

Raymond is consumed by the belief that Evadne's prophecy seals his fate, yet he actively chooses to confront death in the siege, illustrating the tension between destiny and personal agency.

### Ambition and Power

Raymond's ambition to conquer Constantinople and secure glory drives him, even as he acknowledges the personal cost and the dissolution of his army.

### Grief and Memory

Raymond's melancholy is rooted in the memory of Evadne's words and the loss of hope, while he prepares his family for his death, emphasizing anticipatory grief.

## Character check-ins

### Lord Raymond

Raymond is deeply melancholic and convinced of his impending death due to Evadne's prophecy. He confides in Lionel, entrusts his family to him, and resolves to conquer Constantinople despite the plague.

### Lionel Verney

Lionel is Raymond's confidant and brother-in-law. He listens to Raymond's fears, observes the army's dissolution, and is sent to request reinforcements from Karazza.

### Perdita

Perdita is Raymond's wife, residing at the palace of Sweet Waters. She is unaware of Raymond's full despair but is sensitive to his moods.

### Clara

Clara is Raymond and Perdita's young daughter. She overhears Raymond's prophecy of his death and is deeply distressed, promising not to betray his words.

### Evadne Zaimi

Evadne is mentioned as having pronounced Raymond's death, and her last words are seen as the seal of his fate.

### Karazza

Karazza is an accomplished Greek chieftain present at the council. Lionel is sent to him to request naval reinforcements.

## Key lines

> Fire, the sword, and plague! They may all be found in yonder city; on my head alone may they fall!

Raymond declares that the destruction of Constantinople will fall solely on him.

_Raymond's acceptance of his fate and the plague's role in his death._

> The last words of Evadne were the seal upon the warrant of my death.

Raymond believes Evadne's prophecy has condemned him to die.

_Evadne's prophecy is central to Raymond's fatalism._

> I have lived my last winter, and the date of this year, 2092, will be carved upon my tomb.

Raymond is certain he will die in 2092.

_Raymond's conviction of his imminent death._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_last_man_se/chapters/volume-ii-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_last_man_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_last_man_se/chapters