# Epilogue explained — The Necromancers

> Chapter companion for The Necromancers by Robert Hugh Benson.

## What happens

Four months after the traumatic events at Easter, Maggie Deronnais sits with her friend Mabel in a garden retreat, reflecting on the ordeal. She confesses she is still uncertain what to believe about the supernatural occurrences. She outlines three theories: that something real and evil happened, that it was all imagination and coincidence, or that it was the result of unknown inner psychic powers. She dismisses the Spiritualist explanation, leans somewhat toward Mr. Cathcart's demonic theory, but ultimately finds the whole affair unreal and prefers to focus on ordinary life. She expresses contentment and a desire to move on, while Mabel observes that the experience seems not to have harmed her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Psychological vs. Supernatural

Maggie debates whether the events were real supernatural occurrences or products of imagination and inner psychic powers.

### Faith and Doubt

Maggie expresses uncertainty about what she believes, oscillating between different theories and finding none fully convincing.

### The Nature of Evil

Mr. Cathcart's theory that a demon impersonated Amy is discussed, raising questions about the reality of evil.

## Character check-ins

### Maggie Deronnais

Reflects on the events of Easter, uncertain of what to believe, and expresses a desire to return to normal life.

### Mabel

Maggie's patient friend and confidante, listens to her theories and offers comfort.

### Mr. Cathcart

His theory about the devil and the impersonation of Amy is discussed by Maggie, though she remains skeptical.

### Laurie Baxter

Maggie mentions Laurie's experiences and his current state, noting that the events seem dim to him now.

### Mr. Vincent

Referenced as part of the Spiritualist theory that Maggie dismisses as 'rot'.

### Father Mahon

Maggie notes that Mr. Cathcart's theory fits with what Father Mahon says about the devil.

## Key lines

> The worst of it all is that I'm not in the least sure of what it is that I believe even now.

Maggie admits she is still uncertain about her beliefs regarding the supernatural events.

_Highlights her ongoing doubt and confusion._

> It seems to me now exactly like a very bad dream.

Maggie compares the traumatic events to a nightmare that feels unreal in retrospect.

_Shows her psychological distance from the experience._

> I've looked through the door once, without in the least wishing to; and I don't in the least want to look again. It's not a nice view.

Maggie says she has glimpsed the supernatural world and has no desire to repeat the experience.

_Emphasizes her preference for ordinary life over the occult._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters/epilogue
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_necromancers_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_necromancers_se/chapters