55 pages 1 hour read

Malcolm Lowry

Under the Volcano

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1947

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Chapters 4-6Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 4 Summary

Hugh sends a telegram to the London Press about antisemitic campaigns taking shape in Mexico and slips the carbon copy into his jacket pocket before returning to his brother’s house. Upon his arrival, he is shocked to meet Yvonne. Hugh tells her of his adventure of getting into Mexico, one that involved having his belongings impounded at the border, forcing him to borrow clothes, including the jacket he’s wearing, from the Consul. He also shares with Yvonne that he resigned from his journalist job. Despite his openness with her, he finds her to be closed off and reserved. Geoffrey is fast asleep, and the pair decide to walk into town rather than wake him. On their walk, they discuss Hugh’s travels around the globe, particularly war-torn Spain. He shares that he plans to once again take to the sea. 

Yvonne and Hugh abandon their walk and rent horses to explore the town. Throughout the ride, Hugh is lost in thought, thinking of his friend Juan Cerillo and the political state of Mexico throughout his lifetime. His train of thought is punctuated by Yvonne’s invitation to the movies later that night to see Las Manos de Orlac con Peter Lorre.