The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

This chapter strikes a sharp contrast to certain other chapters in which a sense of wonder and imagination triumph, such as chapters 5 and 6. In this chapter, Bauby highlights his deep sense of loss and separation. It is telling that he chooses to do so in a chapter that depicts a visit from his children and estranged wife. From this choice, we can extrapolate that he feels the pain of his grief most acutely when in the company of those nearest to his heart. His longing to be able to hold and caress his son, the loving and acute detail with which he depicts his daughter’s agility and energy, and the quiet, intimate moment between himself and Sylvie contain minute details that each attest to the depth of his loss and the acuteness of his longing to be able to fully return to his former life. 

“Through a Glass, Darkly” could refer to 1 Corinthians 13:12, which, in the King James Version of the Bible, states: “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then I shall know even as also I am known.” This verse refers to the mortal experience, in which only part of divine knowledge is known.