# XX: After Dinner (Continued) explained — The Wonderful Visit

> Chapter companion for The Wonderful Visit by H. G. Wells.

## What happens

The Curate and Mrs. Mendham discuss the strange events at the Vicarage, dismissing the Vicar's claim that the hunchback is an angel as madness. They speculate about the creature's identity and behavior, and decide to write to Austin rather than the Bishop, fearing the Vicar's power over the Curate's position.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Hypocrisy and Conformity

Mrs. Mendham and the Curate prioritize social decorum and reputation over the possibility of the miraculous, dismissing the angel as madness and plotting to undermine the Vicar.

### Faith, Doubt, and the Supernatural

The characters' rationalization of the angel as a madman or a trick highlights the tension between faith in the supernatural and the skeptical, empirical mindset of the time.

## Character check-ins

### The Curate from Iping Hanger

Describes the hunchback as foreign-looking, effeminate, and silly; recounts the Vicar's introduction of the creature as an angel.

### Mrs. Mendham

Questions the story, suggests the Vicar is mad, and insists on proper behavior; proposes writing to the Bishop.

### The Vicar

Referred to as mad by both the Curate and Mrs. Mendham; accused of shirking serious problems and being childish.

### The Angel

Described as a hunchback with a bright colored face, long brown hair, and a simpering smile; the Vicar claims it is an angel.

### Mr. Hilyer

Mentioned as the Vicar; the Curate says he is simply mad for believing the cripple is an angel.

## Key lines

> “I never heard a more fantastic story,” said Mrs. Mendham from the basket chair. “The man must be mad.”

Mrs. Mendham declares the Vicar must be insane after hearing the Curate's account.

_Establishes the skeptical reaction to the angel's appearance._

> “This hunchback is certainly one of the strangest creatures I've seen for a long time. Foreign looking, with a big bright coloured face and long brown hair.”

The Curate describes the hunchback as odd, foreign, and unkempt.

_Provides a physical description of the angel from a human perspective._

> “Angel or no angel,” said Mrs. Mendham, “I know what is due to me. Even supposing the man thought he was in the company of an angel, that is no reason why he should not behave like a gentleman.”

Mrs. Mendham insists on proper conduct regardless of the angel's nature.

_Highlights the theme of social propriety overriding spiritual wonder._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_visit_se/chapters/xx-after-dinner-continued
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_visit_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_visit_se/chapters