The Last Post · Chapter
I explained
Mark Tietjens lies paralyzed in a hut, cared for by Marie Léonie, who reads him racing news and chatters about her domestic grievances, particularly regarding a younger woman's behavior with a clergyman.
What happens
Mark Tietjens lies paralyzed in a hut, cared for by Marie Léonie, who reads him racing news and chatters about her domestic grievances, particularly regarding a younger woman's behavior with a clergyman. Mark observes the world around him—Gunning trimming the hedge, the Elliott children, and the birds—while reflecting on his past career managing the nation's transport and his decision to cease speaking or moving. He suspects Sylvia and General Campion are up to something but resolves not to interfere.
Themes in this chapter
Decline of the Aristocracy
Mark's paralysis and withdrawal from the world symbolize the decline of the old aristocratic order, as he lies helpless while the world changes around him.
War and Its Aftermath
The war's impact is seen in the malnourished Elliott children and Mark's reflection on his role in managing transport during the war, now leading to his resignation from society.
Memory and the Past
Mark's thoughts drift to his past career, his father's time in Dijon, and his memories of Shakespeare and Gunning, showing his retreat into memory.
Characters to notice
- Mark Tietjens
Lies paralyzed in a hut, cared for by Marie Léonie; observes the garden and passersby; reflects on his career and his decision to stop speaking.
- Marie Léonie
Cares for Mark, reads him racing news, and complains about a younger woman's behavior with a clergyman, revealing her domestic pride and grievances.
- Gunning
Trims the hedge in the garden; Mark observes his movements and compares him to Shakespeare.
- Sylvia Tietjens
Mentioned by Mark as being up to something with General Campion, though he does not interfere.
- General Campion
Mentioned by Mark as being involved in some scheme with Sylvia.
Key passages
“The noise of her voice, which was deep-chested and not unpleasing, went on. Mark regarded her with the ironic indulgence that you accord to a child, but indeed, when he had been still in harness, it had rested him always to come home to her as he had done every Thursday and Monday, and not infrequently on a Wednesday when there had been no racing.”
Marie Léonie's deep, pleasant voice continued talking, and Mark watched her with the amused tolerance one shows a child, remembering how her chatter used to relax him when he was still working, visiting her regularly on Thursdays and Mondays, and often on Wednesdays when there were no races.
Highlights Mark's fondness for Marie Léonie's conversation as a respite from his work.
“She had views on virtue, pride, downfalls, human careers, the habits of cats, fish, the clergy, diplomats, soldiers, women of easy virtue, Saint Eustachius, President Grévy, the purveyors of comestibles, customhouse officers, pharmacists, Lyons silk weavers, the keepers of boardinghouses, garotters, chocolate-manufacturers, sculptors other than M. Casimir-Bar, the lovers of married women, housemaids.”
She had opinions on everything from virtue and pride to cats, fish, clergy, diplomats, soldiers, and many other topics, making her mind like a cluttered cupboard full of random items.
Illustrates the breadth and randomness of Marie Léonie's knowledge and conversation.
“He had to be in this world, in this nation. Let them care for him; he was done with them.”
He was forced to remain in this world and country, but he would let others take care of him while he withdrew from all involvement.
Captures Mark's resignation and decision to cease all participation in life.