The Return · Chapter
Chapter XVII explained
Lawford visits Herbert and Grisel, where Herbert attempts to rationalize Lawford's transformation as a product of imagination and self-hypnosis, suggesting he has 'Sabathiered' himself.
What happens
Lawford visits Herbert and Grisel, where Herbert attempts to rationalize Lawford's transformation as a product of imagination and self-hypnosis, suggesting he has 'Sabathiered' himself. Lawford, weary and detached, recounts his ordeal and the lack of recognition from others, including Mr. Bethany. The chapter ends with Lawford agreeing to stay the night, feeling empty and unable to face the solitary walk home.
Themes in this chapter
Sanity and Madness
The chapter explores the boundary between imagination and reality, as Herbert suggests Lawford's transformation is a product of self-hypnosis and delusion.
Isolation and Alienation
Lawford feels detached and weary, describing his body as an 'old grinning tenement' and struggling to connect with others' perceptions of his change.
The Supernatural and Possession
The discussion of Sabathier's ghost and the haunting of Herbert's house keeps the supernatural theme present, though Herbert attempts to rationalize it.
Characters to notice
- Arthur Lawford
Lawford is the central figure, deeply weary and detached, struggling with his perceived transformation and the rationalizations offered by Herbert.
- Herbert
Herbert attempts to convince Lawford that his change is imagined, using arguments about self-hypnosis and the power of suggestion, while also admitting to embellishing ghost stories.
- Grisel
Grisel listens quietly, occasionally interjecting with gentle skepticism, and encourages Lawford to stay the night, offering hope for a new beginning.
- Sheila
Sheila is mentioned as Lawford's wife, who seems to think there are signs of slight improvement in his condition.
- Mr. Bethany
Bethany is referenced as Lawford's 'sheet-anchor' who did not see the faintest resemblance to Sabathier, though Lawford notes he leaves his spectacles at home.
- Mr. Danton
Danton is mentioned as a prejudiced man who saw the change in Lawford.
Key passages
“it possible that you may have very largely imagined the change? Hypnotised yourself into believing it much worse—more profound, radical, acute—and simply absolutely hypnotizing others into thinking so, too.”
Herbert suggests that Lawford may have imagined the transformation and hypnotized himself and others into believing it was worse than it actually was.
Herbert's rationalization of Lawford's experience as a psychological phenomenon.
“I don't think it really very much matters how it all came about. I never could believe it would last. It may perhaps—some of it at least may be fancy. But then, what isn't? What is trustworthy?”
Lawford expresses indifference to the cause of his change, acknowledging it might be partly imaginary, but questioning what in life is truly trustworthy.
Lawford's growing detachment and existential doubt.
“It is not—it isn't, I swear it—the other that keeps me back, but—if you only knew how empty it's all got now; all reason gone even to go on at all.”
Lawford assures Grisel that it is not fear of the supernatural that makes him stay, but a profound emptiness that has drained all reason to continue.
Lawford's confession of emotional and spiritual exhaustion.