# How does The Return develop the theme of Mortality and the Past?

> The Return by Walter de la Mare

## Answer

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.

## Evidence

- [ix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/ix.md): The graveyard setting and discussion of Sabathier's suicide and the nature of death dominate the chapter.
- [xx](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/xx.md): The chapter explores Lawford's haunting by a past life or memory, symbolized by the vision of Detcham and the 'ghoul' Sabathier.
- [xxiii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/xxiii.md): 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.

## Links

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