# Sweet-and-Twenty explained — The Perfume of Eros

> Chapter companion for The Perfume of Eros by Edgar Saltus.

## What happens

Annandale, still haunted by Sylvia Waldron after their broken engagement, flees the oppressive New York summer to Narragansett. Despite his attempts to move on, he remains restless and sober. At a dance at the Casino, he encounters Fanny Price, who has come from Newport. Their conversation reveals that Sylvia has moved on, and Fanny encourages Annandale to stay longer, suggesting he take her about. Annandale, initially planning to leave, is persuaded to reconsider.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Deception

Annandale's lingering love for Sylvia and the self-deception in thinking he can dictate to Fate.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Annandale's outward composure contrasts with his inner turmoil; Fanny's lightheartedness masks deeper observations.

### Fate and Free Will

Annandale's belief that he can write 'Finis' on his past is challenged by the persistence of memory.

## Character check-ins

### Arthur Annandale

Haunted by Sylvia, he flees to Narragansett and meets Fanny Price at the Casino.

### Fanny

Meets Annandale at the Casino, encourages him to stay, and discusses Sylvia's engagement.

### Sylvia Waldron

Though absent, she haunts Annandale's thoughts; her engagement is discussed.

### Melanchthon Orr

Mentioned as having visited Annandale, after which Annandale stopped drinking.

## Key lines

> He had supped on humiliations. He had no appetite for more.

He had endured enough humiliation and wanted no more.

_Annandale's resolve to move on from Sylvia._

> He thought that he could dictate to Fate. It is a mistake that many make.

He believed he could control his destiny, but that is a common error.

_The narrator's commentary on Annandale's illusion of control._

> In spite of the Finis, Sylvia Waldron declined to be dismissed.

Despite his decision to end things, Sylvia refused to leave his thoughts.

_Annandale's inability to forget Sylvia._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/chapters/vii-sweet-and-twenty
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_perfume_of_eros_se/chapters