The Monster · Chapter
V explained
Verplank, Silverstairs, and de Fresnoy discuss the etiquette of dueling in response to Barouffski's insult.
What happens
Verplank, Silverstairs, and de Fresnoy discuss the etiquette of dueling in response to Barouffski's insult. De Fresnoy agrees to act as a second and writes a formal challenge to Barouffski. Verplank reflects on his past with Leilah and glimpses her in a passing motor, but she disappears into the fog.
Themes in this chapter
Violence and Dueling
The chapter revolves around the planning and justification of a duel as a means to settle an insult, reflecting the code of honor among the aristocracy.
Scandal and Reputation
Verplank's past with Leilah and the divorce scandal underpin the conflict, with reputation at stake in the duel.
Characters to notice
- M. Verplank
Seeks advice on dueling after Barouffski's insult; reveals his past with Leilah and his ignorance of the divorce's cause.
- Lord Silverstairs
Acts as a second for Verplank; provides commentary on American divorce laws and arranges a meeting with Tempest.
- Baron de Fresnoy
Expert in dueling etiquette; agrees to be Verplank's second and writes the formal challenge to Barouffski.
- Leilah Verplank
Glimpsed by Verplank in a passing motor, but she disappears before he can confront her.
- Count Kasimiérz Barouffski
The target of the duel challenge; his insult to Verplank triggers the events of the chapter.
Key passages
“To look impertinently at a man constitutes an attack on his self esteem, which in itself is an integral part of his moral wealth.”
A disrespectful glance is an assault on a man's dignity and moral worth.
De Fresnoy justifies dueling as a response to perceived insults.
“On the boards, fencing is an exercise, it is an amusement. On the field, it is another man's blood—or yours.”
Fencing in practice is sport, but in a duel it becomes deadly serious.
De Fresnoy contrasts training with real combat.
“In the States they give you a divorce for a Yes or a No.”
In America, divorces are granted for trivial reasons.
Silverstairs comments on the ease of American divorce.