A Voyage to Arcturus · Chapter
IX: Oceaxe explained
Maskull awakens on his second day on Tormance with new organs: a sorb (will-eye) and a third arm.
What happens
Maskull awakens on his second day on Tormance with new organs: a sorb (will-eye) and a third arm. He encounters Oceaxe, who exchanges garments with him and openly expresses her desire for him. Maskull resists, citing his service to Surtur. Oceaxe kills a fish-like creature using her sorb and cooks it with a drude. They discuss the nature of Ifdawn, a land of quick decisions and straight lines, and Oceaxe explains the concept of 'absorbing' males to gain new passions. Maskull is disturbed by her amorality but feels drawn to her.
Themes in this chapter
Gender and Power
Oceaxe embodies a paradox of masculine will and feminine allure, challenging Maskull's expectations. She dominates the exchange, initiating garment swap and asserting her desire, while Maskull struggles to maintain his resolve.
Pleasure vs. Pain
Maskull experiences both attraction and revulsion toward Oceaxe and the violent, sensual world of Ifdawn. The meal feels 'cannibalistic' and defiling, yet he is drawn to her beauty.
Transformation and Growth
Maskull's physical transformation continues with new organs (sorb and third arm), symbolizing his adaptation to Tormance and his evolving perception of will and desire.
Characters to notice
- Maskull
Awakens with new organs (sorb and third arm), resists Oceaxe's advances, serves Surtur, feels conflicted about Oceaxe's nature.
- Oceaxe
Exchanges garments with Maskull, expresses desire for him, kills a fish with her sorb, explains 'absorbing' and the harsh ways of Ifdawn.
- Crimtyphon
Mentioned by Oceaxe as waiting for her, but not present in the chapter.
Key passages
““Better men than you—better in every sense of the word—are walking about with foreign wills inside them. You may be as moral as you like, Maskull, but the fact remains, animals were made to be eaten, and simple natures were made to be absorbed.””
Oceaxe argues that might makes right: stronger individuals absorb the wills of weaker ones, just as animals are eaten.
Oceaxe justifies the practice of 'absorbing' as natural law, dismissing Maskull's moral objections.
““I’m a woman through and through, Maskull—to the marrowbone. But that’s not to say I have never absorbed males.””
Oceaxe asserts her femininity while admitting she has absorbed men to enrich her own passions.
Highlights the gender paradox and the theme of power dynamics in relationships.
““Read me well, and then it is natural law that you’ll think twice and three times before throwing me away.””
Oceaxe warns Maskull that once he truly understands her, he will not easily reject her.
Oceaxe's persistence and confidence in her allure.