The Portent · Chapter
II: The Second Hearing explained
Duncan Campbell, while lying in his rocky retreat, hears the mysterious sound of galloping hoofs with a loose shoe, which terrifies him.
What happens
Duncan Campbell, while lying in his rocky retreat, hears the mysterious sound of galloping hoofs with a loose shoe, which terrifies him. He visits his old nurse, who appears to be in a trance and is deeply distressed upon hearing of the sound. She hints at a legend but refuses to explain, promising to tell him before he leaves. The next day, news arrives of a distant relative's death, dashing hopes for a military commission, leaving Duncan to consider a position as a tutor.
Themes in this chapter
Second Sight and the Supernatural
The nurse's trance and her reaction to the mysterious sound highlight the supernatural elements and the belief in prophetic visions.
Fate and Destiny
The death of the distant relation and the loss of the commission suggest a predetermined path for Duncan, steering him toward a different future.
Characters to notice
- Duncan Campbell
Hears the mysterious horse sound again and is deeply unsettled; visits his nurse seeking explanation.
- Nurse
Shows signs of second sight, becomes distressed upon hearing of the sound, and promises to reveal the legend later.
Key passages
“Duncan, Duncan, my darling!” she said, in a low, trembling voice, but with passionate earnestness, “you did not hear it? Tell me that you did not hear it!”
Nurse pleads with Duncan to deny hearing the sound, revealing her deep fear and the ominous nature of the omen.
Highlights the nurse's terror and the significance of the supernatural event.
“I have known it happen sometimes without anything very bad following,” began to put away the basin and plate I had been using, as if she would compel herself to be calm before me.”
Nurse tries to reassure herself and Duncan that the omen might not bring disaster, attempting to maintain composure.
Shows the nurse's attempt to downplay the ominous sign while her actions betray her anxiety.