A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder · Chapter
IV: The Sight of Human Beings explained
The narrator and Agnew encounter a group of hostile, mummy-like natives in a desolate, iron-bound land.
What happens
The narrator and Agnew encounter a group of hostile, mummy-like natives in a desolate, iron-bound land. Despite Agnew's willingness to trust them, the narrator is wary. The natives entice Agnew away, and after hearing gunshots, the narrator realizes Agnew has been killed. He fires on the natives in vengeance and despair, then flees to the boat and escapes down the river.
Themes in this chapter
Colonial Exploration and Otherness
The narrator's horror and dehumanization of the natives, comparing them to 'fiends' and 'devils,' illustrates the theme of encountering the 'other' in unexplored lands.
Death and Sacrifice
Agnew's death at the hands of the natives and the narrator's vengeful shooting highlight the theme of mortality and the cost of exploration.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Describes the horrifying appearance of the natives, resists landing, and ultimately flees after Agnew is killed.
- Agnew
Trusts the natives, is lured away, and is killed despite fighting back with his gun and pistol.
- The Kosekin
Depicted as small, shriveled, black, hideous beings with long spears, who pursue the boat and later kill Agnew.
Key passages
“The sight of human beings, thus unexpectedly found, filled us with strange feelings—feelings which I cannot explain.”
Seeing people in this desolate place stirred up emotions in us that are beyond description.
The narrator expresses the uncanny impact of encountering humans in such a hostile environment.
“To go on seemed certain death. To stop was our only alternative; and as we were armed we should”
Continuing forward meant almost certain doom, so stopping was the only choice left, especially since we had weapons.
The narrator and Agnew debate the risks of landing versus continuing down the river.
“Fly, More, fly! Save yourself! You can’t save me. I’m lost. Fly for your life!”
Escape, More, escape! You cannot rescue me. I am doomed. Run for your survival!
Agnew's final warning to the narrator, urging him to flee rather than attempt a rescue.