Bashan and I · Chapter
The Hunting-Grounds explained
The narrator describes the unique territory where he and Bashan walk, a strip of land along a river divided into three zones: the riverbank, the bluff, and the forest.
What happens
The narrator describes the unique territory where he and Bashan walk, a strip of land along a river divided into three zones: the riverbank, the bluff, and the forest. He reflects on the failed real estate development that left named but empty streets, and the diverse vegetation that creates a wild, almost tropical landscape. The chapter recounts a comical incident where a sheep becomes infatuated with Bashan, following him persistently until the narrator, Bashan, and a farm maid must trap the sheep in a stable to escape. The chapter ends with a somber observation of market gardeners whose labor resembles digging graves.
Themes in this chapter
Nature as Refuge
The hunting-grounds provide a secluded, undisturbed space for the narrator and Bashan, away from the city crowds, where they can wander freely.
Observation and Reflection
The narrator meticulously observes the landscape, vegetation, and the behavior of Bashan and the sheep, reflecting on the failed development and the nature of the territory.
Instinct vs. Civilization
The contrast between the wild, natural hunting-grounds and the civilized but incomplete streets and gardens highlights the tension between instinctual life and human attempts to impose order.
Characters to notice
- Bashan
Bashan accompanies the narrator on walks through the hunting-grounds, showing indifference to non-wild things and embarrassment when a sheep follows him persistently.
- The Narrator
The narrator describes the territory in detail, reflects on the failed development, and recounts the sheep incident, ultimately leading the retreat to the farm.
Key passages
“Even on fine sunny afternoons in the summer, when great numbers of pedestrians from the city come pouring into the neighbourhood (it is always a few degrees cooler here than elsewhere), we two are able to wander quite undisturbed on the inner ways.”
On summer afternoons, despite crowds of city visitors, the narrator and Bashan find quiet paths where they are not disturbed.
Highlights the seclusion of their walks.
“The villas which should long ago have risen hospitably along these streets, according to the calculations and intentions of the society, have, for the present, refused to materialise, even though I have set so excellent an example as to build my own house in these parts.”
The planned villas were never built, despite the narrator building his own house there.
Reflects the failed development and the narrator's isolation.
“It is, however, remarkable what a diversity of landscape this limited region affords—even, though one explore only the playground which lies along the river, explore it with restraint and moderation, like Bashan and myself.”
The small area along the river offers a surprising variety of scenery, even when explored modestly.
Emphasizes the richness of the hunting-grounds.
“The sheep, it is true, sprang aside with a swift flank movement, but in an instant it was once more on Bashan’s trail. Nothing seemed to be able to induce it to give up.”
The sheep dodged away but immediately resumed following Bashan, refusing to be deterred.
Describes the sheep's persistent and comical behavior.
“At times I see some bare-armed man there digging up his little vegetable garden, a square rod or so in size, and always it seems to me as though he were digging his own grave.”
The narrator watches a man digging in his small garden and is reminded of grave-digging.
Ends the chapter on a somber, reflective note.