# Chapter II explained — The Return

> Chapter companion for The Return by Walter de la Mare.

## What happens

Lawford reveals his transformed face to his wife Sheila, who reacts with disbelief and suspicion. She locks him in his room, seeks advice from Mr. Bethany, and struggles to accept the reality of his condition. Lawford, isolated and desperate, tries to maintain composure while reading Quain's medical dictionary for answers.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Transformation

Lawford's physical transformation challenges his sense of self and his wife's recognition of him.

### Isolation and Alienation

Lawford feels utterly alone as Sheila disbelieves him and he is locked in his room.

### Marriage and Domestic Tension

The crisis strains the marital relationship, with Sheila's distrust and Lawford's plea for support.

## Character check-ins

### Arthur Lawford

Shows his changed face to Sheila, pleads for belief, and struggles with isolation and despair.

### Sheila

Initially disbelieves Lawford, locks him in, and seeks help from Mr. Bethany, showing fear and suspicion.

### Ada

The maid who encounters Lawford in disguise and is sent on an errand.

### Mr. Bethany

Mentioned as the vicar Sheila consults for advice about Lawford's condition.

## Key lines

> I suppose so—a fit. My heart went a little queer, and I sat down and fell into a kind of doze—a stupor, I suppose. I don't remember anything more. And then I woke; like this.

Lawford explains to Sheila that he had a dizzy spell in the churchyard, fell into a stupor, and woke up with his face changed.

_Lawford's attempt to rationalize the supernatural event as a medical episode._

> I shall leave the door open. I am not, as you no doubt very naturally assumed—I am not going to do anything either senseless or heedless. I am merely going to ask your brother Cecil to come in, if he is at home, and if not, no doubt our old friend Mr. Montgomery would—would help us.

Sheila threatens to call for help from Lawford's deceased brother or an absent friend, testing his reaction.

_Sheila's cruel test to confirm Lawford's identity by referencing dead or fictional people._

> You will please leave the key, Sheila. I am ill, but I am not yet in the padded room. And please understand, I take no further steps in 'this awful business' until I hear a strange voice in the house.

Lawford demands the key and warns he will only act if a stranger arrives.

_Lawford asserts his autonomy despite his vulnerable state._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_return_se/chapters