This was apparently Thomas Peacock making fun of the romantic movement which was characterized by the promotion of anxiety, fear and terror in the persons within the story. It is said that the main characters are Percy Bysshe Shelley, his first wife Harriet Westbrook and his final mate for life Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin. The tale illustrates the on goings within Nightmare Abbey, mostly about the Scythrop Glowry (Shelley simulacra)and his trials of love in the midst of his father who seemed non to pleased with any of his choices. There are also a terrible amount of burlesque characters who discuss everything from beauty, life, ghosts, and love. Each of them, Mr. Toobad, Mr. Listless, Mr. Hilary and all the others gave their opinions on each topic. Love seems to be the main theme, the way it fails man and makes him miserable. The answer to life's problems is not port and a pistol, but Madeira and some well cooked fowl.