# IV: The Sight of Human Beings explained — A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder

> Chapter companion for A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder by James De Mille.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_strange_manuscript_found_in_a_copper_cylinder_se/chapters/iv-the-sight-of-human-beings
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_strange_manuscript_found_in_a_copper_cylinder_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_strange_manuscript_found_in_a_copper_cylinder_se/chapters