The Monster · Chapter
XII explained
At a dinner party hosted by Barouffski, tensions escalate between him and Leilah as she openly flirts with d'Arcy.
What happens
At a dinner party hosted by Barouffski, tensions escalate between him and Leilah as she openly flirts with d'Arcy. Barouffski's attempts to control her are met with defiance, culminating in him throwing wine at d'Arcy. The party breaks up in awkwardness, with Violet Silverstairs planning to visit Leilah the next day.
Themes in this chapter
Desire and Self-Destruction
Leilah's flirtation with d'Arcy and her defiance of Barouffski lead to public humiliation and escalating conflict, illustrating how unchecked desire can lead to self-destructive behavior.
Gender and Power
Barouffski's attempts to control Leilah's actions and her rebellious responses highlight the power struggle between husband and wife in a patriarchal society.
Scandal and Reputation
The public display of marital discord and Barouffski's assault on d'Arcy threaten the social standing of all involved, emphasizing the importance of reputation in high society.
Characters to notice
- Leilah Verplank
Openly flirts with d'Arcy, defies Barouffski's attempts to control her, and expresses visible repugnance toward him.
- Violet Silverstairs
Hosts the dinner party, attempts to maintain decorum, and plans to visit Leilah the next day.
- Barouffski
Grows increasingly agitated by Leilah's behavior, throws wine at d'Arcy, and feels a sense of foreboding.
- D'Arcy
Flirts with Leilah, drinks from her glass, and gracefully exits after being assaulted by Barouffski.
- Howard Tempest
Observes the tension, engages in banter about poets, and notes Leilah's excessive behavior.
- Gulian
Mentions d'Arcy looks like Keats, attempts to lighten the mood after the incident.
Key passages
“Barouffski tried to smile but the unconcealed candour of her abhorrence made his lips twitch.”
Barouffski attempted to smile, but her undisguised disgust caused his lips to twitch involuntarily.
Leilah's open repulsion toward Barouffski is evident as they part after the dinner.
“A man with no sense of honour and some sense of humour may go far, provided that he keep his temper. Barouffski knew it but forgot it.”
A man lacking honor but possessing humor can succeed if he controls his temper, but Barouffski, aware of this, lost his composure.
The narrator comments on Barouffski's failure to maintain his usual self-control during the confrontation.
“The sight was so repugnant that she almost sickened and the nausea which she felt, her face expressed.”
The sight of him was so disgusting that she felt nauseated, and her face clearly showed her revulsion.
Leilah's physical reaction to Barouffski underscores her deep aversion to him.