# III explained — The Necromancers

> Chapter companion for The Necromancers by Robert Hugh Benson.

## What happens

Laurie, still grieving Amy, becomes increasingly interested in Spiritualism after Mrs. Stapleton's visit. He borrows a book on the subject, and Maggie, concerned by his change, confronts him. Their conversation reveals Laurie's belief in the possibility of communicating with the dead, while Maggie is repelled and worried. Despite her attempts to reach him, Laurie insists on going his own way, leaving Maggie with a sense of helplessness.

## Themes in this chapter

### Grief and Loss

Laurie's grief over Amy's death drives him to seek comfort in Spiritualism, highlighting the desperate need to reconnect with the deceased.

### Spiritualism vs. Christianity

The chapter contrasts Laurie's growing belief in Spiritualism with the Christian skepticism of Mrs. Baxter and Mr. Rymer.

### Psychological vs. Supernatural

Laurie's interest in the supernatural may be a psychological response to his grief, as Maggie suspects his 'fancying things'.

## Character check-ins

### Laurie Baxter

Deep in grief, he is drawn to Spiritualism, reading books on the subject and defending its plausibility to Maggie.

### Maggie Deronnais

Visits Laurie to check on him, expresses her disgust at Spiritualism, and tries to dissuade him from pursuing it.

### Mrs. Baxter

Mentions Mr. Rymer's dismissal of Spiritualism, but is largely oblivious to Laurie's deeper turmoil.

## Key lines

> If human evidence is worth anything, those things happen. The dead return.

Laurie asserts that if we trust human testimony, we must accept that the dead can come back.

_Laurie's belief in Spiritualism is based on the evidence he has encountered._

> I think it's horrible.

Maggie expresses her revulsion at the idea of Spiritualism.

_Maggie's visceral reaction contrasts with Laurie's intellectual curiosity._

> You must let me alone. You can't help.

Laurie tells Maggie that she cannot assist him and that he must follow his own path.

_Laurie's determination to pursue Spiritualism isolates him from Maggie's attempts to help._

## Links

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