# The Supernatural and Possession in The Return

> Theme guide for The Return by Walter de la Mare.

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.

## Where it surfaces

- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/ix): Lawford speculates about the dead trying to return, and Herbert's reaction to Lawford's face hints at supernatural transformation.
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/xiii): The fear of the churchyard, the mysterious French book, and the sense of an intangible adversary suggest supernatural elements.
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/chapters/xxii): Sheila's revelation of the portrait and the 'Voice' speaking from Lawford highlight the theme of demonic possession and supernatural influence.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/themes/the_supernatural_and_possession
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_return_se/themes