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The Return

Written by Walter De la Mare

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Horror talesFantasy fictionParanormal fictionSupernatural

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About this book

"The Return" by Walter de la Mare is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Arthur Lawford, who, after suffering from illness, takes a solitary stroll through an old churchyard. During his contemplative wanderings, he becomes engulfed in a profound disturbance when he returns home feeling different—both physically and emotionally. This mysterious transformation sets the stage for an exploration of identity, the self, and the complexities of human relationships. At the start of the novel, Arthur Lawford finds himself in a tranquil churchyard, reflecting on life and death amidst old gravestones. Despite a lingering melancholy, the peaceful environment provokes deep introspection about his past and the nature of existence. However, after unexpectedly dozing off, he awakens to find that he has changed profoundly—his appearance is unrecognizable, leading to a panic about his identity. As he confronts his altered self and the reactions of those around him, particularly his wife Sheila, the narrative delves into themes of isolation, reality, and the struggle to maintain one's integrity amid unforeseen change.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Return, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • mysterious
  • unsettling
  • melancholic

Walter de la Mare's "The Return" is a profound psychological novel exploring themes of identity and reality through the mysterious transformation of its protagonist, Arthur Lawford. After a contemplative stroll in a churchyard, Lawford awakens from a brief slumber to find his physical appearance drastically altered, rendering him unrecognizable even to himself. This uncanny change plunges him into an existential crisis, forcing him to confront not only his own fractured sense of self but also the alienated reactions of those closest to him, particularly his wife, Sheila. The narrative delves deep into the unsettling experience of losing one's known identity and the struggle to reclaim or redefine it amidst an inexplicable, supernatural event, questioning the very essence of what makes a person 'them self'.

“"This face, this stranger in the glass, how could it be mine, and yet not mine?"”

Key themes

Identity and the Self
The central theme of the novel, exploring the multifaceted nature of identity. It questions whether identity is tied to physical appearance, memory, external recognition, or an inherent, unchanging essence. Arthur's transformation forces him and the reader to confront the fragility of the self and the profound disorientation that occurs when one's external presentation no longer aligns with internal conviction.
Reality vs. Perception
This theme explores the subjective nature of reality and how individual perception shapes truth. Arthur's internal reality (he is still Arthur) clashes violently with the objective reality perceived by others (he is a stranger). The novel questions what constitutes 'truth' when personal experience and external evidence are in direct contradiction, highlighting the unreliability of both senses and memory.
Isolation and Alienation
The novel vividly portrays the profound sense of isolation and alienation experienced by Arthur after his transformation. Stripped of his identity and rejected by his loved ones, he is cast adrift in a world where he no longer belongs. This theme explores the psychological torment of being utterly alone, unable to connect with others, and the devastating impact of losing one's social and familial anchors.

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How does Arthur's physical transformation reflect or amplify his internal state before the change?

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