# XIII explained — The Return

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

## What happens

Lawford meets Grisel, Herbert's sister, and is deeply moved by her presence. After a moment of emotional breakdown, she follows him into the night, offering companionship and understanding. They walk together, overcoming his fear of the churchyard. Later, Lawford examines the French book, finding a portrait that disturbs him. He returns home to find Alice waiting, and they share a tender but strained reconciliation before he falls asleep, only to wake locked in his room.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Transformation

The chapter centers on the hypothetical and real transformation of Lawford, explored through Herbert's questions and Lawford's own altered appearance.

### Isolation and Alienation

Lawford feels profoundly alone and afraid, but finds a momentary connection with Grisel who understands his fear.

### The Supernatural and Possession

The fear of the churchyard, the mysterious French book, and the sense of an intangible adversary suggest supernatural elements.

## Character check-ins

### Arthur Lawford

Experiences a profound emotional crisis, breaks down in front of Grisel, and later finds solace in Alice's presence before being locked in his room.

### Herbert

Introduces his sister Grisel to Lawford and engages in philosophical discussion about transformation.

### Grisel

Shows deep empathy and understanding, accompanies Lawford through his fear, and offers friendship.

### Alicia

Waits for Lawford in his room, falls asleep, and reassures him of her trust despite the changes.

## Key lines

> What nonsense you talk, Herbert!" "Yes, but supposing: a complete transmogrification—by some unimaginable ingression or enchantment, by nibbling a bunch of roses, or whatever you like to call it?" " Only physically?" "Well, yes, actually; but potentially, why—that's another matter."

Herbert proposes a hypothetical scenario of physical transformation, and Grisel questions whether it would only be physical, to which Herbert hints at deeper implications.

_This dialogue introduces the central theme of transformation and its potential consequences._

> I do know; believe me, believe me! I can guess. See, I am coming with you; we will go together. As if, as if I did not know what it is to be afraid.

Grisel insists she understands Lawford's fear and offers to accompany him, claiming she knows what it is like to be afraid.

_Grisel's empathy and willingness to share his burden is a key moment of connection._

> But you see, dear, mother had told me that you—besides, I did know you at once, really; quite inside, you know, deep down.

Alice reassures Lawford that she recognized him on a deep level despite his changed appearance, and that her mother had warned her.

_Alice's words attempt to bridge the gap caused by Lawford's transformation, though doubt lingers._

## Links

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