Erewhon Revisited · Chapter
VI: Further Conversation Between Father and Son—The Professors’ Hoard explained
Higgs continues his conversation with George, who reveals his hatred for the Sunchild (Higgs himself) and shares his mother's skeptical views about Higgs's claims.
What happens
Higgs continues his conversation with George, who reveals his hatred for the Sunchild (Higgs himself) and shares his mother's skeptical views about Higgs's claims. Higgs, hiding his identity, learns that Professor Hanky attempted to burn George's mother alive. After George leaves, Higgs discovers and steals the nuggets and receipt from the Professors' hidden hoard inside a hollow chestnut tree, then heads toward Sunch'ston.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Deception
Higgs hides his identity from his own son, while Yram publicly supports the Musical Bank Managers despite privately disbelieving their narrative.
Truth and Perception
George's perception of Higgs as an impostor contrasts with Higgs's internal truth; the chapter explores how public belief is shaped by fear and authority.
Family and Legacy
Higgs's painful encounter with his son George highlights themes of lost connection, paternal longing, and the unintended consequences of his past actions.
Characters to notice
- My Father
Conceals his identity from George, learns about Hanky's attempt on Yram's life, and later discovers and steals the Professors' hidden nuggets.
- George
Reveals his hatred for Higgs, shares his mother's private disbelief in Higgs's supernatural claims, and mentions Hanky's attempt to burn her alive.
- Professor Hanky
Mentioned as having tried to burn George's mother alive, though he denies it; his handkerchief is found among the hidden items.
- Professor Panky
Implied to be Higgs's alias; Higgs reflects on being Panky when hearing of Hanky's actions.
- Yram
George's mother; privately disbelieves Higgs's supernatural claims but publicly supports the Musical Bank Managers out of fear.
Key passages
“It is one thing to desire a conversation to be changed, and another to change it.”
Wishing to alter a conversation is easier than actually doing so.
Higgs reflects on the difficulty of steering the discussion with George.
“My name is George, and I wish it were some other, for it is the first name of that arch-impostor Higgs. I hate it as I hate the man who owned it.”
George despises his name because it reminds him of Higgs, whom he considers a fraud.
George expresses his deep resentment toward Higgs, unaware he is speaking to his father.
“Down, conscience, down! ... if you offend me I must pluck you out.”
Higgs silences his guilt as he steals the nuggets, comparing his conscience to an eye he would remove if it troubles him.
Higgs justifies his theft by suppressing his moral qualms.