The Last Man · Chapter
IV explained
Lionel Verney returns to Windsor in autumn 2092, finding domestic peace with Idris and their children.
What happens
Lionel Verney returns to Windsor in autumn 2092, finding domestic peace with Idris and their children. He reflects on the joys of fatherhood, especially as his son Alfred begins school at Eton. Adrian's health declines, but spring brings hope. Ryland and Merrival debate human progress, while Lionel muses on the cycle of generations.
Themes in this chapter
Mutability and Loss
Lionel reflects on the death of his second child while in Greece and the transient nature of life and happiness.
Nature and Humanity
Spring is described in lush detail, symbolizing renewal and peace, contrasting with human mortality.
Social Class and Equality
Ryland and Adrian debate the possibility of a utopian society free from poverty and oppression.
Characters to notice
- Lionel Verney
Returns to Windsor after his time in Greece, embracing domestic life and reflecting on fatherhood.
- Idris
Described as a tender and loving mother, anxious about her children's health after losing one child.
- Adrian
Health declines perceptibly; he speaks of death familiarly but continues to cultivate his mind and spread happiness.
- Alfred
Lionel and Idris's nine-year-old son, begins school at Eton, showing promise and virtue.
- Clara
Daughter of Lionel and Idris, described as intelligent, innocent, and beautiful.
- Ryland
Old adversary of Raymond, candidate for Protectorate, skeptical of Adrian's optimistic vision.
- Merrival
A little old astronomer who comments on the slow precession of the poles.
Key passages
“Had I never quitted Windsor, these emotions would not have been so intense; but I had in Greece been the prey of fear and deplorable change; in Greece, after a period of anxiety and sorrow, I had seen depart two, whose very names were the symbol of greatness and virtue.”
If I had never left Windsor, I wouldn't feel such intense relief now; but in Greece I experienced fear and loss, witnessing the deaths of two great and virtuous people.
Lionel contrasts his past sorrows in Greece with the peace he finds at home.
“Let us leave 'life,' that we may live.”
Let us abandon the chaotic, worldly existence so that we can truly enjoy living.
Lionel advocates for a retreat from society's turmoil to find genuine happiness.
“What can a parent have more at heart than the good opinion of his child?”
A parent's deepest concern is earning the respect and esteem of their child.
Lionel reflects on the importance of maintaining honor in the parent-child relationship.