The Return · Chapter
XV explained
Lawford, in a state of profound mental and emotional turmoil, experiences a terrifying descent into madness after his wife and household have fled.
What happens
Lawford, in a state of profound mental and emotional turmoil, experiences a terrifying descent into madness after his wife and household have fled. He is visited by Mr. Bethany, who tries to reason with him about the supernatural events surrounding Sabathier's grave. Lawford confesses his fears and the strange influence he feels, but ultimately rejects Bethany's advice, claiming a stubborn pride and defiance against solitude and ghosts. The chapter ends with Lawford escorting Bethany out, leaving him alone in the darkened house.
Themes in this chapter
Sanity and Madness
Lawford's descent into a hallucinatory state, his fear of madness, and his struggle to maintain rational thought are central to the chapter.
Isolation and Alienation
Lawford is left alone in the house after his family and servants flee, and he experiences profound isolation, both physically and psychologically.
The Supernatural and Possession
The chapter is steeped in supernatural dread, with Lawford feeling a malevolent presence and discussing the ghost of Sabathier, suggesting a theme of possession or haunting.
Characters to notice
- Arthur Lawford
Lawford is in a severe state of psychological crisis, experiencing hallucinations, paranoia, and a sense of being pursued by a malevolent presence. He confesses his fears to Mr. Bethany but also displays a defiant, stubborn pride.
- Mr. Bethany
Mr. Bethany visits Lawford, attempting to offer rational counsel and urging him to dismiss the supernatural ideas. He is anxious, fretful, and ultimately frustrated by Lawford's resistance and the strange atmosphere.
- Sheila
Sheila is mentioned as having fled the house with the household, leaving Lawford alone. Lawford recalls her words about his 'hereditary or unconscious deserving.'
Key passages
“Don't look at me, only remember, dearest, I would rather have died down there and been never seen again than have given you pain.”
Lawford begs his wife not to look at him, saying he would rather have died than cause her pain.
This shows Lawford's guilt and desperation as his wife leaves.
“Death was no end. There was no meaning, no refuge, no hope, no possible peace. To give up was to go to perdition: to go forward was to go mad.”
Lawford feels that death offers no escape, and he is trapped between damnation and madness.
Highlights Lawford's existential despair and the central conflict of the chapter.
“I don't care a jot for solitude, not a jot for all the ghosts of all the catacombs!”
Lawford defiantly claims he is unafraid of being alone or of any ghosts.
Shows Lawford's stubborn pride and his attempt to assert control over his fear.