Erewhon Revisited · Chapter
X: My Father, Fearing Recognition at Sunch’ston, Betakes Himself to the Neighbouring Town of Fairmead explained
My father, anxious about being recognized in Sunch'ston, leaves early and walks to Fairmead, a neighboring town, to avoid detection.
What happens
My father, anxious about being recognized in Sunch'ston, leaves early and walks to Fairmead, a neighboring town, to avoid detection. He observes a market-day scene where a father complains to the Mayor that his eight-year-old daughter lacks immoral sense, prompting a discussion on the necessity of learning deception. He also reflects on an epitaph and a pamphlet by Dr. Gurgoyle about living vicariously after death, contrasting with earlier Erewhonian views on the afterlife.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Deception
The father's complaint about his daughter's lack of immoral sense and the Mayor's advice highlight the societal expectation of learning deception as a survival skill.
Religion and Credulity
My father's reflections on the epitaph and Dr. Gurgoyle's pamphlet contrast with earlier Erewhonian critiques of heaven and hell, exploring beliefs about the afterlife.
Memory and Nostalgia
My father recalls his earlier time in Erewhon and the youth's irreverent views on heaven, showing how memory shapes his current perspective.
Characters to notice
- My Father
Fearing recognition, he leaves Sunch'ston for Fairmead, observes the Mayor's proceedings, and reflects on Erewhonian views of the afterlife.
- President Gurgoyle
His pamphlet on vicarious life after death is read and reflected upon by my father.
- Mr. Mayor
Presides over market-day grievances, advising a father on his daughter's lack of immoral sense.
- Professor Hanky
Mentioned as the preacher of the sermon my father is anxious to hear at the temple dedication.
Key passages
“I fall asleep in the full and certain hope That my slumber shall not be broken; And that though I be all-forgetting, Yet shall I not be all-forgotten, But continue that life in the thoughts and deeds Of those I loved, Into which, while the power to strive was yet vouchsafed me, I fondly strove to enter.”
The epitaph expresses hope that death is a peaceful sleep, and that one lives on through the memories and actions of loved ones.
My father copies this epitaph, struck by its contrast with Erewhonian views on the afterlife.
“Sir, your heaven will not attract me unless I can take my clothes and my luggage. Yes; and I must lose my luggage and find it again.”
A young Erewhonian mocks the European concept of heaven, demanding mundane comforts and minor frustrations to make it enjoyable.
My father recalls this irreverent speech from his earlier visit, highlighting cultural differences in religious belief.
“How can you expect your child to learn those petty arts of deception without which she must fall an easy prey to anyone who wishes to deceive her?”
The Mayor argues that a child must practice deception to protect herself from being deceived by others.
This advice reflects Erewhonian values where immoral sense is considered essential for social survival.