The Return, one of Walter de la Mare’s foundational ghost stories, encapsulates the thematic ambiguity that would hallmark his subsequent works. The story eschews the traditional narrative resolution through climactic awakenings, leaving readers questioning the reality of the protagonist's surreal experiences. At its core, the narrative explores the thin line between the supernatural and psychological introspection, leaving the nature of Arthur Lawford's transformation open to interpretation.

The Unresolved Fate of Arthur Lawford

At the heart of The Return is the unresolved mystery of Arthur Lawford’s experience. Unlike many tales in its genre, which conclude with the protagonist waking from a dream, de la Mare opts for an ending where both Lawford and his observer succumb to sleep. This deliberate inversion of a narrative cliché underscores a thematic assertion: the supernatural is an inescapable facet of the human experience, perpetually shadowing our conscious lives. Lawford’s initial transformation occurs during a sleep, hinting at the pervasive nature of this otherworldly presence.

The Dual Interpretations

The narrative invites two primary interpretations of Lawford’s plight. One posits the literal emergence of Nicholas Sabathier’s soul from the grave, attempting to possess Lawford’s body on the anniversary of his past demise. This view suggests Lawford’s spiritual turmoil represents a genuine struggle for self-preservation. The Herberts, who provide tenuous support for this supernatural explanation, themselves inhabit a liminal existence, casting doubt on their reality but simultaneously presenting Lawford with an avenue of escape into potentially liberating yet problematic possibilities.

Alternatively, Lawford’s experience might symbolize an internal awakening. The contemplation of his life’s ruin, paired with the symbolic weight of Sabathier’s gravestone, could have unleashed a latent part of himself—an aspect inhibited by societal and personal constraints. This interpretation paints a picture of Lawford wrestling with his hidden self, a self that emerges not with confidence and strength, as seen in tales like Dr. Jekyll’s, but with uncertainty and confusion. This psychological liberation, if such it can be called, suggests a bleak impotence rather than an empowering transformation.

The Metaphor of Sabathier

Herbert’s interpretation of Sabathier’s name deepens the metaphorical layer of the story. Associating it with "sabbats"—witch-hunters' gatherings—or as a verb meaning “to bemuse or estrange with otherness,” highlights the alienation and transformation Lawford undergoes. This bemusement is echoed in Lawford’s lighter-hearted reference to a time "before I was Sabathiered," indicating a shift in identity and self-perception.

The Theme of "Returning"

The concept of "returning" weaves through Lawford’s interactions with Grisel, bearing multiple implications. The return of "Nicholas Sabathier" could signify either the spirit from the past or the potential self Lawford suppressed. More crucially, Lawford’s decision to return home, despite Grisel's temptations, signifies a return to reality and acceptance of his societal role, with all its obligations and failures. Grisel’s understanding of this choice, contrasting Herbert’s incomprehension, underscores the complex interplay of love, duty, and the demands of family.

Biographical Context and Narrative Reflection

Walter de la Mare's personal life at the time of writing The Return mirrors the thematic contemplations of the narrative. Recently freed from his role as an oil company clerk through a Civil List pension, de la Mare found himself at a crossroads, much like his protagonist. This transitional period afforded him the reflective space to ponder identity, fate, and the immutable aspects of self. These reflections likely influenced the narrative’s ambiguity, mirroring de la Mare’s own uncertainties about realism—whether it represents cowardice or a pragmatic heroism in acknowledging and accepting life’s limitations.