# IX explained — The Monster

> Chapter companion for The Monster by Edgar Saltus.

## What happens

The duel between Verplank and Barouffski is arranged after a dispute over Verplank's attempt to address Leilah. Barouffski wins the choice of weapons and selects foils. During the duel, Barouffski lunges prematurely, wounding Verplank in the cheek. Leilah appears and interrupts, causing confusion. Verplank tells her 'At five,' and she repeats it. After the duel is called off, Barouffski suspiciously questions Leilah about the meaning of 'five' and orders a footman to be ready at that time.

## Themes in this chapter

### Violence and Dueling

The chapter centers on the duel between Verplank and Barouffski, highlighting the ritualized violence and the role of seconds in negotiating honor.

### Scandal and Reputation

The duel arises from Verplank's attempt to address Leilah after her divorce, reflecting the social scandal and the importance of reputation in their circle.

### Desire and Self-Destruction

Verplank's obsession with Leilah drives him to risk his life in the duel, and Barouffski's jealousy leads to destructive actions.

## Character check-ins

### Verplank

Participates in the duel, wounded in the cheek by Barouffski's premature lunge, and arranges to meet Leilah at five.

### Barouffski

Duels Verplank, lunges early, and later suspiciously questions Leilah about 'five,' ordering a footman to be ready.

### Leilah Verplank

Interrupts the duel, calls out to Verplank, and repeats 'At five' before leaving.

### De Fresnoy

Acts as director of the duel, argues with Barouffski's seconds, and declares the duel at an end after the interruption.

### Silverstairs

Suggests tossing a coin for choice of weapons, draws Verplank away during the confusion.

### Tyszkiewicz

Serves as a second for Barouffski, intervenes in the argument about the premature lunge.

## Key lines

> Why not toss for it?

Silverstairs suggests flipping a coin to decide who gets to choose the weapons.

_This resolves the deadlock between the seconds over the choice of weapons._

> At five!

Verplank tells Leilah to meet him at five o'clock.

_This cryptic message is repeated by Leilah and later questioned by Barouffski._

> It means that God willing some day I may have peace.

Leilah responds to Barouffski's questioning about 'five' by expressing her desire for peace.

_She avoids revealing the true meaning of the appointment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_monster_se/chapters/ix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_monster_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_monster_se/chapters