# XXXV: We Visit a Room in the Second Storey explained — Uncle Silas

> Chapter companion for Uncle Silas by J. Sheridan Le Fanu.

## What happens

Maud and Milly explore a room where Mr. Charke supposedly committed suicide, leading to a tense encounter with old L'Amour. Milly expresses frustration over her lack of refinement compared to Maud, and Maud promises to teach her drawing and proper manners. Uncle Silas is described as being in a 'queerish' daze, and Lady Knollys writes to Maud about visiting for Christmas.

## Themes in this chapter

### Isolation and Imprisonment

Milly's isolation at Bartram-Haugh has left her socially awkward and uneducated, while the locked room and Uncle Silas's dazes suggest a gothic sense of confinement.

### Gothic Atmosphere and Fear

The dark, shadowy room where Charke died, the bloodstain (real or imagined), and L'Amour's sudden appearance create a classic gothic horror scene.

## Character check-ins

### Maud Ruthyn

Explores the room where Mr. Charke died, comforts Milly, and plans to educate her.

### Milly Ruthyn

Shows Maud the room, becomes upset about her lack of social graces, and agrees to Maud's teaching plan.

### Uncle Silas

Described as being in a 'queerish' daze, sometimes calling for people and then dismissing them.

### L'Amour

Interrupts Maud and Milly in the room, locks it, and warns them about disturbing Uncle Silas.

### Lady Knollys

Sends kind letters to Maud, promises to visit and include Milly in her invitation for Christmas.

### Mr. Carysbroke

Mentioned as having talked to Maud about pictures and walks, ignoring Milly.

## Key lines

> HeвАЩs like a child aвАЩmost, when heвАЩs in one oвАЩ them dazes.

He becomes almost childlike during his trances.

_Milly describes Uncle Silas's peculiar episodes._

> I could вАЩmost drown myself. ItвАЩs a shame!

I could almost drown myself. It's unfair!

_Milly expresses her despair over her lack of refinement._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xxxv-we-visit-a-room-in-the-second-storey
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters