# The Face on the Waterloo Steps explained — Wolf Solent

> Chapter companion for Wolf Solent by John Cowper Powys.

## What happens

Wolf Solent travels by train from Waterloo to Ramsgard, reflecting on his past, his dismissal from teaching, and his new position as literary assistant to Mr. Urquhart. He contemplates his private 'mythology'—a secret mental practice of sinking into his soul—and wonders if the new reality of Dorset will disrupt his inner world. He also fantasizes about finding a girl to love.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mythology vs. Reality

Wolf's private 'mythology'—his secret mental practice—contrasts with the external reality he fears may disrupt it.

### Love and Desire

Wolf fantasizes about finding a girl to make love to, desiring a 'tall and slim and white' woman.

### Family and Legacy

Wolf reflects on his parents, his father's scandalous legacy, and his mother's ambitions.

## Character check-ins

### Wolf Solent

Protagonist traveling to Ramsgard, reflecting on his past and his private 'mythology'.

### Mrs. Solent

Wolf's mother, mentioned in his memories of her reaction to his dismissal and his childhood.

### John Urquhart

The Squire of King's Barton who has offered Wolf a position; his letter is read.

### Darnley Otter

Mentioned as the man who will meet Wolf at the Lovelace Hotel and drive him to his mother's house.

### William Solent

Wolf's deceased father, buried in Ramsgard cemetery, whose memory Wolf contemplates.

### Lord Carfax

Relative of Mr. Urquhart and cousin of Wolf's mother, mentioned as a connection for Wolf's new post.

## Key lines

> He re-invoked the extraordinary incident which had led to his 'prompt acceptance' of Mr. Urquhart's 'poor offer.'

Wolf recalled the strange event that made him accept Mr. Urquhart's job offer.

_Refers to Wolf's dismissal from teaching after his 'malice-dance'._

> This 'sinking into his soul'—this sensation which he called 'mythology'—consisted of a certain summoning-up, to the surface of his mind, of a subconscious magnetic power...

Wolf's private practice of 'mythology' involved calling up a subconscious power within himself.

_Describes Wolf's central mental habit._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/wolf_solent_se/chapters/the-face-on-the-waterloo-steps
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/wolf_solent_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/wolf_solent_se/chapters