Vile Bodies · Chapter
Chapter II explained
Adam Fenwick-Symes, after his manuscript is burned by customs, telephones his fiancée Nina Blount to break the news that he cannot marry her.
What happens
Adam Fenwick-Symes, after his manuscript is burned by customs, telephones his fiancée Nina Blount to break the news that he cannot marry her. They agree to meet later at Archie Schwert's party. Adam then visits his publisher Sam Benfleet, who cancels the original contract and offers a much less favorable standard first-novel contract. Later, Adam travels with Miss Runcible and the Younger Set, discussing the outrageous customs incident and the upcoming party.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Moral Vacuity
The customs officers' arbitrary destruction of Adam's manuscript under the guise of morality contrasts with the frivolous and morally lax behavior of the social elite.
Media and Celebrity Culture
Miss Runcible's customs ordeal is sensationalized in the evening papers, highlighting the public's fascination with scandal and celebrity.
Characters to notice
- Adam Fenwick-Symes
Telephones Nina to cancel their engagement due to his book being burned; visits publisher Sam Benfleet to discuss the contract; travels with Miss Runcible and the Younger Set.
- Nina Blount
Receives Adam's phone call; agrees to meet him at Archie Schwert's party.
- Miss Runcible
Travels with Adam; her customs ordeal is discussed; mentions Archie Schwert's party.
- Sam Benfleet
Adam's publisher; cancels the original contract and offers a standard first-novel contract after the manuscript is burned.
- Archie Schwert
His party is the planned meeting place for Adam and Nina; mentioned by the Younger Set.
Key passages
“They burnt my book.”
Customs destroyed my manuscript.
Adam explains to Nina why he cannot marry her.
“Square old Rampole somehow, even if it comes out of my director’s fees.”
I'll manage old Rampole, even if I have to pay from my own pocket.
Sam Benfleet's internal thought about handling the senior partner after offering Adam a new contract.