The Return · Question
How does The Return develop the theme of The Supernatural and Possession?
Answer
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.
Evidence in the book
- IX
Lawford speculates about the dead trying to return, and Herbert's reaction to Lawford's face hints at supernatural transformation.
- XII
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.
- XIII
The fear of the churchyard, the mysterious French book, and the sense of an intangible adversary suggest supernatural elements.
- XV
The chapter is steeped in supernatural dread, with Lawford feeling a malevolent presence and discussing the ghost of Sabathier, suggesting a theme of possession or haunting.
- Chapter XVII
The discussion of Sabathier's ghost and the haunting of Herbert's house keeps the supernatural theme present, though Herbert attempts to rationalize it.
- XXII
Sheila's revelation of the portrait and the 'Voice' speaking from Lawford highlight the theme of demonic possession and supernatural influence.
