The Return · Chapter
I explained
Arthur Lawford, recovering from an illness, wanders into the quiet churchyard of Widderstone.
What happens
Arthur Lawford, recovering from an illness, wanders into the quiet churchyard of Widderstone. He reflects on his life, his marriage, and a growing sense of melancholy and unreality. After falling into a deep reverie, he awakens in the dark and hurries home. Upon arriving, he discovers that his face has changed in the mirror, leading to a tense confrontation with his wife Sheila, who cannot understand his distress. Lawford struggles with the horrifying transformation and his own sanity.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Transformation
Lawford's face changes in the mirror, leading to a crisis of identity and self-perception.
Isolation and Alienation
Lawford feels detached from his wife and his former life, wandering alone in the churchyard and later locked in his room.
Sanity and Madness
Lawford questions his own sanity as he struggles to understand the transformation and his wife accuses him of being mad.
Characters to notice
- Arthur Lawford
Wanders into Widderstone churchyard, experiences melancholy and a sense of unreality, discovers his face has changed upon returning home.
- Sheila
Lawford's wife; he avoids discussing his feelings with her, and she confronts him outside his locked bedroom door after his return.
- Dr. Simon
Mentioned by Sheila as someone she could send for if Lawford is ill.
- Ada
Mentioned by Sheila as someone she could send for assistance.
Key passages
“Stranger, a moment pause, and stay; In this dim chamber hidden away Lies one who once found life as dear As now he finds his slumbers here: Pray, then, the Judgement but increase His deep, everlasting peace!”
Lawford reads a gravestone inscription that asks the passerby to pause and reflect on the deceased, who now sleeps peacefully, and to pray that his eternal rest may be deepened.
Lawford questions the peace of the dead, reflecting his own inner turmoil.
“Dead! a bitter inward voice seemed to break into speech; 'Dead!' The viewless air seemed to be flocking with hidden listeners.”
Lawford feels a sudden, intense sense of death and paranoia, as if unseen forces are watching him.
Highlights Lawford's growing dread and sense of persecution.
“It's no use your asking me, Sheila. Please give me a moment, a … I am not quite myself, dear.”
Lawford tells his wife he cannot explain what is wrong and asks for time alone, admitting he feels unlike his usual self.
Lawford's first attempt to communicate his crisis to Sheila, revealing his altered state.