The Return · Questions
Questions
Evidence-linked answers for The Return by Walter de la Mare.
How does The Return develop the theme of Identity and Transformation?
The Return by Walter de la Mare develops Identity and Transformation across the chapters the companion marks for this theme. The central theme of the book is Arthur Lawford's radical and inexplicable change in appearance and personality after visiting the graveyard, exploring the crisis of selfhood and the struggle to reconcile one's inner and outer selves. Lawford's physical change challenges his sense of self and his relationships. Lawford's face changes in the mirror, leading to a crisis of identity and self-perception. Lawford's physical transformation challenges his sense of self and his wife's recognition of him.
How does The Return develop the theme of The Supernatural and Possession?
The Return by Walter de la Mare develops The Supernatural and Possession across the chapters the companion marks for this theme. The narrative delves into supernatural forces, including the idea of possession by a historical figure (Nicholas Sabathier), and the characters' attempts to understand the change through spiritual or occult explanations. Lawford speculates about the dead trying to return, and Herbert's reaction to Lawford's face hints at supernatural transformation. Herbert theorizes that Sabathier's spirit may have possessed Lawford's body, and describes a ghost that fades into living persons, delving into supernatural possession. The fear of the churchyard, the mysterious French book, and the sense of an intangible adversary suggest supernatural elements.
How does The Return develop the theme of Isolation and Alienation?
The Return by Walter de la Mare develops Isolation and Alienation across the chapters the companion marks for this theme. Lawford experiences profound isolation from his wife, daughter, and community due to his altered appearance, highlighting the loneliness of being misunderstood and the fear of being deemed insane. The epigraph advises avoiding proximity to corruption, suggesting a need for separation from harmful influences. Lawford's inability to convince Sheila of his identity deepens his alienation. Lawford feels detached from his wife and his former life, wandering alone in the churchyard and later locked in his room.
How does The Return develop the theme of Sanity and Madness?
The Return by Walter de la Mare develops Sanity and Madness across the chapters the companion marks for this theme. The book constantly questions the boundary between sanity and madness, as Lawford fears for his own mental state while others debate whether he is ill, possessed, or simply delusional. Lawford questions his own sanity as he struggles to understand the transformation and his wife accuses him of being mad. Lawford desperately fears for his sanity, pleading 'my sanity, my sanity' and stating he would rather die than go mad. Lawford hears voices, considers his thoughts as insanity, and experiences a surge of indignation, teetering on the edge of mental breakdown.
How does The Return develop the theme of Marriage and Domestic Tension?
The Return by Walter de la Mare develops Marriage and Domestic Tension across the chapters the companion marks for this theme. The strained relationship between Arthur and Sheila Lawford is a key theme, revealing distrust, lack of empathy, and the breakdown of communication in the face of crisis. The crisis strains the marital relationship, with Sheila's distrust and Lawford's plea for support. The strained interaction between Lawford and Sheila, her separate bed arrangement, and his hollow apology reveal deep domestic unease. Sheila's cold management of Lawford's finances and her emotional distance underscore the strain in their marriage.
How does The Return develop the theme of Mortality and the Past?
The Return by Walter de la Mare develops Mortality and the Past across the chapters the companion marks for this theme. The graveyard setting and the figure of Sabathier emphasize themes of death, the lingering influence of the dead, and the haunting power of history and memory on the present. The graveyard setting and discussion of Sabathier's suicide and the nature of death dominate the chapter. The chapter explores Lawford's haunting by a past life or memory, symbolized by the vision of Detcham and the 'ghoul' Sabathier. The chapter dwells on the past through Miss Sinnet's memories of Mary Lawford and the mysterious stranger, and Lawford's contemplation of death and the grave.
How does The Return develop the theme of Faith vs. Skepticism?
The Return by Walter de la Mare develops Faith vs. Skepticism across the chapters the companion marks for this theme. Characters like Mr. Bethany represent faith and belief in the supernatural, while others like Danton embody skepticism, creating a tension between rational explanation and spiritual acceptance. The warning against 'tempting contagion' implies a moral or spiritual caution, reflecting a tension between faith in goodness and skepticism of the world. Mr. Bethany refrains from saying 'God knows best,' revealing a tension between religious platitude and genuine pity. Mr. Bethany argues for faith in Lawford's identity despite the inexplicable change, while Danton represents skeptical doubt.
How does The Return develop the theme of The Search for Peace?
The Return by Walter de la Mare develops The Search for Peace across the chapters the companion marks for this theme. Lawford's journey is a quest for inner peace and resolution, whether through reconciliation with his family, understanding his transformation, or finding solace in nature and solitude. Lawford finds respite in solitude, bathing his 'weary bones' in it, and experiences a 'calmest reverie' after his night walk. Lawford seeks rest and escape from his haunted past, finding a tentative hope in Grisel's offer of refuge. Grisel advises Lawford that facing the worst is his only hope for peace, and they both seek resolution.
