# XVIII explained — Zuleika Dobson > Chapter companion for Zuleika Dobson by Max Beerbohm. ## What happens The Duke, preparing for his death, dresses in the full regalia of a Knight of the Garter, finding in his reflection a sublime embodiment of history and personal glory. Mrs. Batch, distressed by his sudden notice to leave, receives a cheque and a testimonial poem. The Duke, resolved to die in his dandyism, descends the stairs, stunning Mrs. Batch and Katie, and impulsively kisses Katie on the doorstep. ## Themes in this chapter ### Vanity and Self-Absorption The Duke's meticulous dressing and admiration of his own reflection highlight his narcissistic preoccupation with his appearance and legacy. ### Death and Sacrifice The Duke's resolve to die in his full regalia underscores his acceptance of death as a final act of self-definition. ### Artifice and Performance The Duke's dressing is described as a performance, and his kiss to Katie is a calculated gesture, emphasizing the theatricality of his actions. ## Character check-ins ### Duke of Dorset Dons his Garter Knight regalia, contemplates his reflection, writes a poem for Mrs. Batch, and kisses Katie before leaving. ### Mrs. Batch Upset by the Duke's sudden departure, receives a cheque and a testimonial poem, and is stunned by his appearance. ### Katie Weeps at the Duke's departure, is turned to stone by his regalia, and is kissed by him on the doorstep. ### Noaks Mentioned as a fellow tenant of Mrs. Batch, but not present in the chapter. ### Clarence Mentioned as Mrs. Batch's child, but not present in the chapter. ## Key lines > a glory beyond their own, that he once and for all fulfilled himself, doer of that which he had been sent into the world to do. He felt he had achieved his ultimate purpose, surpassing others' glory. _Reflects the Duke's sense of fulfillment before his death._ > His procedure had the ease and inevitability of a natural phenomenon, and was most like to the coming of a rainbow. His dressing was as smooth and inevitable as a natural event, like a rainbow forming. _Emphasizes the effortless grace of the Duke's actions._ > Reflecting him, the mirror reflected, in due subordination, the history of England. The mirror showed not just the Duke but also the entire history of England in his image. _Highlights the Duke's symbolic embodiment of national heritage._ > A dandy he had lived. In the full pomp and radiance of his dandyism he would die. He had lived as a dandy, and he would die in the full glory of his dandyism. _Summarizes the Duke's commitment to his identity even in death._ > And this is the man of whom I dared once for an instant hope that he loved me! Katie realizes she once briefly hoped the Duke loved her. _Reveals Katie's unrequited feelings and the Duke's interpretation of her gaze._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/zuleika_dobson_se/chapters/xviii - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/zuleika_dobson_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/zuleika_dobson_se/chapters