# Mrs. Humdrum and Dr. Downie Propose a Compromise, Which, After an Amendment by George, Is Carried Nem. Con. explained — Erewhon Revisited

> Chapter companion for Erewhon Revisited by Samuel Butler.

## What happens

Mrs. Humdrum and Dr. Downie propose a compromise to handle the situation with the prisoner claiming to be the Sunchild, involving recantation, false depositions, and a quiet dinner. George amends the plan by insisting on telling the King the full truth, which is ultimately accepted by all.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Deception

The compromise involves swearing false oaths and manipulating truth to avoid public scandal.

### Truth and Perception

The characters debate whether to conceal or reveal the truth, with George ultimately advocating for full disclosure to the King.

## Character check-ins

### Mrs. Humdrum

Proposes the initial compromise to avoid scandal and rehabilitate truth.

### Dr. Downie

Supports Mrs. Humdrum's compromise and later endorses George's amendment to tell the King.

### George

Amends the compromise by insisting on revealing the full truth to the King.

### Professor Hanky

Reluctantly agrees to sign false depositions and attend the meeting with the King.

### Professor Panky

Initially hesitant but eventually signs the depositions after receiving his money back.

## Key lines

> We think that the strict course would be to drop the charge of poaching, and Blue-Pool both the Professors and the prisoner without delay.

Mrs. Humdrum suggests that legally they should drop the poaching charge and execute both professors and the prisoner.

_She presents the strict legal option but does not recommend it._

> The prisoner must recant on oath his statement that he is the Sunchild.

The prisoner must swear that he is not the Sunchild.

_Part of the compromise to rehabilitate truth._

> I mean, therefore, on the day following my return from escorting the prisoner, to set out for the capital, see the King, and make a clean breast of the whole matter.

George plans to go to the capital and tell the King everything after escorting the prisoner away.

_George's amendment to the compromise._

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