The Necromancers · Chapter
I explained
In the opening chapter, Maggie Deronnais and Mrs.
What happens
In the opening chapter, Maggie Deronnais and Mrs. Baxter discuss the aftermath of Amy Nugent's death and Laurie's grief. Maggie reflects on Laurie's selfishness and his romantic obsession with Amy, while Mrs. Baxter worries about his emotional state and mentions Mrs. Stapleton's upcoming visit. The chapter establishes the setting of the Baxter house and introduces key characters and tensions.
Themes in this chapter
Grief and Loss
The chapter opens with the aftermath of Amy's death, focusing on Laurie's grief and the family's concern for his emotional state.
Class and Snobbery
Mrs. Baxter's disapproval of Amy's lower-class background and her relief at Amy's death highlight class tensions.
Faith and Doubt
Laurie's conversion to Catholicism and his subsequent drifting from religious practice are discussed, showing his spiritual uncertainty.
Characters to notice
- Maggie Deronnais
Maggie is critical of Laurie's selfishness and observes his behavior with a discerning eye. She is considering how to help him through his grief.
- Laurie Baxter
Laurie has just returned from Amy Nugent's funeral, visibly pale and drawn-eyed. His grief and obsession with Amy are central to the chapter.
- Mrs. Baxter
Mrs. Baxter is anxious about Laurie's state and hopes Maggie can help him. She reflects on the past conflicts over Laurie's conversion and his relationship with Amy.
- Amy Nugent
Amy is deceased, but her memory looms large. She is described as pretty, underbred, and with a stammer, and her death has left Laurie in mourning.
- Father Mahon
Mentioned as the priest who discouraged Laurie from becoming a priest, contributing to Laurie's disillusionment with the Church.
Key passages
“She wondered what sorrow would do for him. She had come down from Scotland the night before, and down here to Hertfordshire this morning; she had not then yet seen him; and he was now at the funeral.”
Maggie pondered how Laurie would handle grief, having just arrived from Scotland and not yet seen him since he was at the funeral.
Highlights Maggie's curiosity about Laurie's reaction to loss.
“It was intolerable that such a person should be so silly.”
Maggie found it unbearable that someone with Laurie's qualities could act so foolishly.
Expresses Maggie's frustration with Laurie's romantic choices.
“She was a vegetarian last year; now I believe she's given that up again.”
Mrs. Stapleton had recently been a vegetarian but had since abandoned that practice.
Illustrates Mrs. Stapleton's fickle nature, hinting at her interest in New Thought.