Summary

In Chapter 11, Mr. Philbrick’s many personas come to view. A conversation between Prendergast, Paul and Grimes reveals the different versions of Philbrick’s life and times, and the reasons he has given each of them for his being at Llanabba. The three are left wondering which version of the man they know is the real Philbrick.

Analysis

In this chapter, the reader sees another example of Waugh’s unquenchable black humor, his prolific imagination and his love of the theater of the absurd. The many facets of the colorful Philbrick convince us there is more to come, as is proved in the following chapters. He appears and disappears, tells stories and stories are told of him. He makes grand gestures, and then withdraws them with good reasons. He is menacing and yet harmlessly ridiculous. He is a source of endless interest and stature and...