Dr. Heidegger's Experiment The Supernatural Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Paragraph)

Quote #7

The precious Water of Youth flowed in a bright stream across the floor, moistening the wings of a butterfly, which, grown old in the decline of summer, had alighted there to die. The insect fluttered lightly through the chamber, and settled on the snowy head of Dr. Heidegger. (42)

This is a totally bizarre conclusion to the riotous scene that precedes it. That the butterfly lands on Dr. Heidegger's head – and that Heidegger stays motionless and speaks with it still perched there – suggests there is in fact something God-like about his character.

Quote #8

"Come, come, gentlemen! – come, Madam Wycherly,'' exclaimed the doctor, "I really must protest against this riot.''

They stood still and shivered; for it seemed as if gray Time were calling them back from their sunny youth, far down into the chill and darksome vale of years. They looked at old Dr. Heidegger, who sat in his carved arm-chair, holding the rose of half a century, which he had rescued from among the fragments of the shattered vase. At the motion of his hand, the four rioters resumed their seats. (43-4)

This is the third time "Father Time" is mentioned in this story, and the narrator has already compared Dr. Heidegger to the mythological figure. Heidegger is, in a sense, playing the role of Father Time in this story. It is he who makes his guests younger again – in one way or another – and he who brings them back to the original state (if indirectly).