# XVI: The Sword of Damocles explained — The Sword of Damocles

> Chapter companion for The Sword of Damocles by Anna Katharine Green.

## What happens

Paula returns from a ride in the park with Miss Stuyvesant, having witnessed a distressing accident involving a lame child and encountered a sinister woman who claims a resemblance to Paula. She shares this experience with Mr. Sylvester and Ona, expressing horror at the woman's malice and reflecting on the idea of a man living under the threat of exposure. Mr. Sylvester is visibly shaken by her words, and the chapter ends with a tense atmosphere as they prepare for a reception.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrets and Past Sins

Paula's encounter with the woman and her speculation about a man under threat of exposure highlight the theme of hidden sins and their potential to ruin reputations.

### Appearance vs. Reality

The contrast between the outward respectability of prominent men and the possibility of their hidden disgrace is central to Paula's reflections.

## Character check-ins

### Paula

Deeply affected by the day's events, she shares her disturbing encounter with a malicious woman and reflects on the theme of hidden sins.

### Mr. Sylvester

Shaken by Paula's story, he reacts with a start when she mentions the sword of Damocles, revealing his inner turmoil.

### Mrs. Sylvester

Reclining in luxurious ease, she shows little interest in Paula's tale, though she blanches at the mention of the sword.

### Ona Delafield

Present during Paula's account, she appears indifferent and languid, more concerned with her own comfort.

## Key lines

> Great sins make great sufferers.

Major wrongdoings lead to major suffering.

_Mr. Sylvester's warning to Paula about the consequences of sin._

> Side by side came the two dreadful powers of vice and retribution into the world, and side by side will they keep till they sink at last into the awful deeps of the bottomless pit.

Vice and punishment are inseparable and will remain so until they are destroyed together.

_Mr. Sylvester's philosophical statement on the inescapable link between crime and its consequences._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xvi-the-sword-of-damocles
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters