# Chapter II explained — Vile Bodies

> Chapter companion for Vile Bodies by Evelyn Waugh.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vile_bodies_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vile_bodies_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vile_bodies_se/chapters