Erewhon Revisited · Chapter
George Escorts My Father to the Statues; The Two Then Part explained
George escorts my father through the dark streets and into the preserves, where they rest until dawn.
What happens
George escorts my father through the dark streets and into the preserves, where they rest until dawn. They share a breakfast in a beautiful alpine spot, and my father discusses the political and religious dynamics of Sunchildism, predicting the roles of Dr. Downie, Hanky, and Panky. They make a solemn covenant to meet at the statues in one year's time, exchange gifts, and part with deep emotion.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Credulity
The characters debate the truth of Sunchildism and the manipulation of religious belief for institutional power.
Hypocrisy and Deception
Hanky and Panky are portrayed as deceivers who knowingly propagate falsehoods for personal gain.
Truth and Perception
My father argues that perfect truth is unattainable and that Sunchildism can be made 'true enough in spirit' if properly guided.
Satire of Institutions
The chapter satirizes religious and political institutions, comparing them to English parties and criticizing their corruption.
Characters to notice
- My Father
Escorted by George, he discusses the future of Sunchildism and makes a covenant to meet again at the statues.
- George
Escorts my father, listens to his analysis, agrees to a future meeting, and parts with great emotion.
- Dr. Downie
Discussed as a lukewarm opponent of Sunchildism, likened to a Broad Churchman.
- Professor Hanky
Characterized as a plausible, unscrupulous, heartless scoundrel who will push Sunchildism for his own aggrandisement.
- Professor Panky
Described as needing to persuade himself of his own lies before telling them, and as being led by Hanky.
- Yram
Mentioned as having provided milk for the journey and as someone George drinks to.
- Mrs. Humdrum
My father drinks to her and especially to her granddaughter.
Key passages
“He will neither preach nor write against it, but he will live lukewarmly against it, and this is what the Hankys hate.”
Dr. Downie will not actively oppose Sunchildism, but his passive resistance will anger the Hankys.
My father describes Dr. Downie's strategy of lukewarm opposition.
“Plausible, unscrupulous, heartless scoundrel that he is, he will play for the queen and the women of the court, as Dr. Downie will play for the king and the men.”
Hanky is a charming but ruthless manipulator who will court the queen and women, while Dr. Downie will court the king and men.
My father characterizes Hanky's and Dr. Downie's political tactics.
“Panky must persuade himself of his own lies, before he is quite comfortable about telling them to other people.”
Panky needs to believe his own falsehoods before he can comfortably tell them to others.
My father contrasts Panky's self-deception with Hanky's cynical awareness.
“Do what you will, you will not get perfect truth.”
No matter what you do, you cannot achieve absolute truth.
My father expresses a pragmatic view of truth.
“He who plays fast and loose with this is as one who would forge God’s signature to a cheque drawn on God’s own bank.”
Tampering with the fundamental truths of human experience is like forging God's signature on a divine check.
My father warns against corrupting essential moral truths.
