A Voyage to Arcturus · Chapter
XX: Barey explained
Maskull, Krag, and Gangnet travel through the region of Barey, heading toward the Ocean.
What happens
Maskull, Krag, and Gangnet travel through the region of Barey, heading toward the Ocean. Maskull experiences intense emotions under the rising of Alppain, the blue sun, and feels his sense of self dissolve. Krag and Gangnet display a deep hostility, debating pleasure, pain, and the nature of reality. As mist closes in, Krag announces Maskull's death, and Maskull has a vision of Muspel's fire and Krag striking a bloodred spot with a hammer.
Themes in this chapter
Pleasure vs. Pain
Krag and Gangnet debate the value of pleasure; Krag rejects pleasure as a low thing, while Gangnet defends it as essential to life.
The Illusion of Self
Maskull declares 'I am nothing' and feels his will and self dissolve under the influence of Alppain, leading to a sense of freedom.
The Nature of God and Creation
Gangnet describes Crystalman as 'nothing but Beauty and Pleasantness' and contrasts the devil's ugliness with Crystalman's thoughts.
Characters to notice
- Maskull
Travels through Barey, experiences the rising of Alppain, loses his sense of self, and faces his impending death.
- Krag
Hostile toward Gangnet, mocks pleasure, and ultimately announces Maskull's death, appearing in a vision striking a bloodred spot.
- Gangnet
A native of Barey who welcomes Maskull, argues with Krag about pleasure and pain, and guides Maskull toward the Ocean.
Key passages
“I have set myself against the Infinite... Why, Gangnet—I am nothing.”
Maskull realizes his own insignificance and lack of self in the face of the infinite.
Key moment of self-dissolution under Alppain.
“The devil made it ugly, not Crystalman. These are Crystalman's thoughts, which you see around you. He is nothing but Beauty and Pleasantness.”
Gangnet argues that the ugliness of Tormance is the devil's work, while Crystalman's essence is beauty and pleasure.
Illustrates the theological debate between Gangnet and Krag.
“Don't you comprehend, Maskull, that your death has arrived?”
Krag announces that Maskull's death is imminent.
Climactic moment leading to Maskull's vision.