The Return · Chapter
XVI explained
Lawford, grappling with his altered identity, seeks solace in ordinary encounters—a barber, a baker's wife—and later meets Grisel in the churchyard.
What happens
Lawford, grappling with his altered identity, seeks solace in ordinary encounters—a barber, a baker's wife—and later meets Grisel in the churchyard. They discuss his transformation, fear, and courage, while he reflects on his isolation and the mystery of his condition. He returns home at dawn, eats, sleeps in Alice's room, and reads Sabathier's memoirs, finding a semblance of peace in solitude.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Transformation
Lawford's changed face and his struggle to reconcile his old self with his new demeanor are central; he notes he could never have 'hobnobbed so affably' before.
Isolation and Alienation
Lawford feels 'friendless and foreboding ennui' in his solitude, and describes himself as an 'outcast from decent society.'
The Search for Peace
Lawford finds respite in solitude, bathing his 'weary bones' in it, and experiences a 'calmest reverie' after his night walk.
Characters to notice
- Arthur Lawford
Wanders the streets, interacts with a barber and baker's wife, meets Grisel, and returns home to reflect on his transformation and solitude.
- Grisel
Meets Lawford in the churchyard, discusses his changed appearance and his fears, offering understanding and support.
- Sheila
Mentioned in Lawford's thoughts as part of the 'they' who keep him in his place; her French dictionary is used by Lawford.
- Herbert
Mentioned as Grisel's brother, who is interested in Lawford's mystery and lent him the Sabathier book.
- Mr. Bethany
Mentioned as having invited Lawford to sleep at the Vicarage; Lawford watched his light from a wall.
- Alicia
Her bed is used by Lawford to sleep in; her room is described as 'narrow sweetness'.
Key passages
“He shut his books, placed a candlestick and two boxes of matches on the hall table, lit a bead of gas, and went out into the rainy-sweet streets again.”
Lawford closed his books, set up a candle and matches, turned on a small gas light, and left the house into the rain-freshened streets.
Shows Lawford's restless need to escape his solitude.
“Whatever his face might now be conniving at, the Arthur Lawford of last week could never have hobnobbed so affably with his social 'inferiors.'”
His new face or condition allows him to chat easily with people he would have previously considered beneath his social station.
Highlights the theme of identity transformation and class boundaries.
“There's absolutely nothing so catching. So, you see, I do know a little what nerves are; and dream too sometimes, though I don't choose charnelhouses if I can get a comfortable bed.”
Fear is highly contagious; Grisel admits she understands nervousness and has her own nightmares, but prefers not to seek out horror.
Grisel's empathy and shared experience of fear.