# XII explained — Vile Bodies

> Chapter companion for Vile Bodies by Evelyn Waugh.

## What happens

Adam, desperate and broke, sells his claim to Nina to Ginger for £78.16.2 after Lottie presents her bill. He tries to break off contact, but they inevitably meet again at Miss Runcible's nursing home party, where Agatha deliriously relives the motor race. Adam and Nina's unresolved attraction persists despite her engagement to Ginger.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage as Farce

Adam sells Nina to Ginger in a business transaction, reducing romantic attachment to a monetary bargain.

### Violence and Death as Spectacle

Miss Runcible's delirious reenactment of the motor race and her critical condition are treated as entertainment by visitors and the nurse.

## Character check-ins

### Adam Fenwick-Symes

Sells his share in Nina to Ginger for money to pay his bill, then tries to avoid her but meets her again at the nursing home.

### Nina Blount

Engaged to Ginger; her father loses all his money on a film; she meets Adam at the nursing home and admits she was once in love with him.

### Miss Runcible

Delirious in the nursing home, reliving the motor race; hosts a party with cocktails and gramophone despite her condition.

### Ginger Littlejohn

Buys Adam's share in Nina for £78.16.2; trusts Nina but is furious at the idea of her seeing Adam.

### Lottie Crump

Presents Adam with his bill; mentions the drunk Major who made a bet for Adam.

## Key lines

> I'll sell my share in her for a hundred pounds.

Adam offers to relinquish his romantic claim on Nina for a sum of money.

_Highlights the commodification of love and the farcical nature of their relationships._

> I thought we were all driving round and round in a motor race and none of us could stop...

Miss Runcible describes her nightmare of an endless, uncontrollable race.

_Symbolizes the chaotic, inescapable momentum of the Bright Young Things' lifestyle._

## Links

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