The Nebuly Coat · Chapter
Chapter XXI explained
Westray uncovers a hidden portrait beneath the flower painting, revealing the face of Lord Blandamer, and later returns to Cullerne.
What happens
Westray uncovers a hidden portrait beneath the flower painting, revealing the face of Lord Blandamer, and later returns to Cullerne. The chapter also delves into Lord Blandamer's past, his return to Fording, his marriage to Anastasia, and his reflections on the threats posed by Martin Joliffe, Sharnall, and now Westray.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Identity
The hidden portrait reveals a secret identity, and Lord Blandamer's past is shrouded in mystery and concealment.
Obsession and Madness
Lord Blandamer's obsessive dedication to the nebuly coat and his paranoia about threats to his title reflect a near-mad fixation.
The Past and Memory
The portrait brings the past to life, and Lord Blandamer's memories of his youth and his grandmother's unfinished work highlight the persistence of the past.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Westray
Discovers the hidden portrait of Lord Blandamer and returns to Cullerne, troubled by the revelation.
- Lord Blandamer
His portrait is uncovered; later he reflects on his past, his marriage, and the threats to his title.
- Miss Anastasia Joliffe
Now Lady Blandamer, she works on unfinished tapestry and senses something amiss with her husband.
- Martin Joliffe
Mentioned as the pretender to the Blandamer title, now deceased.
- Mr. Sharnall
Mentioned as a meddlesome organist who took up Martin's role and is now dead.
- Miss Euphemia Joliffe
Her memory of the flower picture covering the portrait spans sixty years.
Key passages
“It was Lord Blandamer that looked at him out of the picture. They were Lord Blandamer’s eyes, impenetrable and observant as today, but with the brightness of youth still in them; and the face, untarnished by middle age, showed that the picture had been painted some years ago.”
Westray realizes the portrait is of Lord Blandamer, with the same penetrating eyes but a younger face.
Key moment of recognition linking the portrait to the present Lord Blandamer.
“For Nature, if she once endows man or woman with romance, gives them so rich a store of it as shall last them, life through, unto the end.”
Romance, once given by nature, is a permanent and invaluable trait that cannot be acquired or lost.
Reflection on Lord Blandamer's enduring romantic nature despite his hardened exterior.
“Was he fighting with dragon’s spawn? Were fresh enemies to spring up from the—The simile did not suit his mood, and he truncated it.”
Lord Blandamer wonders if new adversaries will keep arising to challenge him, but cuts off the thought.
Shows Lord Blandamer's frustration and paranoia about ongoing threats to his position.