Allan Quatermain · Chapter
How Umslopogaas Held the Stair explained
After the battle, Allan Quatermain is wounded and recovering.
What happens
After the battle, Allan Quatermain is wounded and recovering. He learns that Sorais is captured, Sir Henry Curtis is with Nyleptha, and Umslopogaas has died heroically defending the stair. A marble statue is planned for Umslopogaas, and he is entombed at the stair he defended. The chapter also recounts the desperate defense of the doorway using marble blocks, with Umslopogaas holding the stair alone.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
Umslopogaas's willingness to sacrifice himself for his friends and the loyalty shown by Quatermain and others in the defense.
Death and Mortality
Umslopogaas's heroic death and the contemplation of mortality by Quatermain; the legend of the ghost and the prophecy about the House's endurance.
Civilization vs. Wilderness
The contrast between the civilized palace and the wild, heroic defense; the blending of Zulu and English customs in burial and commemoration.
Characters to notice
- Allan Quatermain
Wounded and recovering; learns of the aftermath of the battle and Umslopogaas's death.
- Umslopogaas
Dies heroically defending the stair; his body is entombed at the site and a statue is planned.
- Sir Henry Curtis
With Nyleptha after the victory; sends cavalry to assist the Queen.
- Nyleptha
Rides out to meet Curtis; helps build the marble block defense and praises the heroes.
- Captain Good
Visits Quatermain during his recovery; reports on the fall of M'Arstuna and Sorais's capture.
- Sorais
Captured after her army's defeat; being brought to the palace as a prisoner.
- Alphonse
Mentions that he heard the enemy approaching; assists in the defense preparations.
- Kara
Aids in building the marble block wall and helps hold the stair.
Key passages
“I, the Queen, have said it.”
Nyleptha declares that the names of Macumazahn, Umslopogaas, and Kara will be honored forever.
Nyleptha's speech honoring the heroes.
“It has been a good day, let it now be good night.”
Umslopogaas accepts his impending death, viewing it as a fitting end to a good day.
Umslopogaas's resignation to his fate.
“I have dreamed a dream. I dreamed that thou and I stood together on a star, and looked down on the world, and thou wast as a spirit, Macumazahn, for light flamed through thy flesh, but I could not see what was the fashion of mine own face.”
Umslopogaas shares a prophetic dream where he and Quatermain are spirits looking down on Earth.
Umslopogaas's dream foreshadowing death.