The Wonderful Visit · Chapter
XVI: The Curate (Continued) explained
The Angel, having finished tea, gazes out the window at the church and tombstones.
What happens
The Angel, having finished tea, gazes out the window at the church and tombstones. Mendham and the Vicar enter, and Mendham confronts the Angel about his strange appearance and behavior, demanding an explanation for alarming the tennis players. The Angel insists he is an angel, but Mendham dismisses this as a ridiculous story. The Vicar tries to interject about the Angel's wings, but Mendham rebukes him for his frivolity and leaves, threatening further inquiry.
Themes in this chapter
Faith, Doubt, and the Supernatural
The Angel's claim to be an angel is met with skepticism and ridicule by Mendham, highlighting the tension between supernatural belief and rationalism.
Social Hypocrisy and Conformity
Mendham's outrage over the Angel's 'defective costume' and his demand for a 'simple straightforward story' reveal societal pressures to conform to norms and suppress the extraordinary.
Characters to notice
- The Angel
Pensively observes the church and tombstones; calmly insists he is an angel despite Mendham's disbelief; expresses confusion at human reactions.
- The Vicar
Attempts to mediate between the Angel and Mendham, repeatedly trying to point out the Angel's wings; is rebuked by Mendham for his perceived levity.
- Mrs. Mendham
Mentioned as part of the group of ladies playing lawn tennis who were alarmed by the Angel.
- Mr. Hilyer
Referred to by Mendham as the Vicar's surname; present during the confrontation.
Key passages
“He thought the old church down the valley lit by the light of the setting sun was very beautiful, but he could not understand the serried ranks of tombstones that lay up the hillside beyond.”
The Angel admired the picturesque church in the sunset but was puzzled by the rows of graves on the hillside.
Highlights the Angel's innocence and unfamiliarity with human mortality.
“Why, in this enlightened age, you should tell this fantastic, this far-fetched story of an Angel, altogether beats me.”
Mendham cannot comprehend why anyone would claim to be an angel in such a modern, rational era.
Reflects the conflict between supernatural claims and Enlightenment rationalism.