# XXI: The Flying Monster 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 learns from Layelah about the athaleb, a tame flying monster used for travel, and considers using it to escape with Almah. Layelah reveals her love for the narrator and hatred for Almah, while the Kohen Gadol courts Almah. The narrator resolves to either escape with both women or stay and face death with Almah.

## Themes in this chapter

### Inverted Social Order

The Kosekin value death over life, and paupers are honored while the wealthy are pitied, as explained by Layelah.

### Love and Selflessness

The narrator's willingness to stay and die with Almah rather than escape alone demonstrates selfless love.

### Colonial Exploration and Otherness

The narrator's encounter with the athaleb and the strange customs of the Kosekin highlight themes of exploration and cultural difference.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

Plans escape using the athaleb, torn between love for Almah and Layelah's offer.

### Layelah

Shows the narrator the athaleb, confesses love for him and hatred for Almah, offers to help him escape.

### Almah

Unaware of Layelah's scheme; courted by the Kohen Gadol, but remains faithful to the narrator.

### The Kohen

Devotes himself to Almah, cooperating with Layelah's plan.

## Key lines

> “But if I did escape, would they not pursue me?” “Certainly not.”

The narrator asks if the Kosekin would chase him if he fled, and Layelah assures him they would not.

_Highlights the inverted values of the Kosekin, who do not prevent escape._

> “You!” said she, with a sweet smile.

When asked what she wants, Layelah replies that she wants the narrator.

_Reveals Layelah's romantic interest in the narrator._

> “Oh no,” said Layelah; “it swallows its victuals whole.”

Layelah reassures the narrator that the athaleb won't bite, but it swallows food whole.

_Adds to the monstrous yet tame nature of the athaleb._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_strange_manuscript_found_in_a_copper_cylinder_se/chapters/xxi-the-flying-monster
- 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