Erewhon · Chapter
Conclusion explained
The narrator concludes by outlining a scheme to exploit Erewhon for profit and evangelization, proposing to transport Erewhonians to Queensland as laborers under the guise of religious instruction.
What happens
The narrator concludes by outlining a scheme to exploit Erewhon for profit and evangelization, proposing to transport Erewhonians to Queensland as laborers under the guise of religious instruction. He recounts his return to England, his discovery that Chowbok had reported him dead, and his subsequent life writing tracts. The chapter ends with a postscript describing his encounter with Chowbok, now a missionary named Rev. William Habakkuk, at Exeter Hall.
Themes in this chapter
Colonialism and Exploitation
The narrator's scheme to transport Erewhonians to Queensland for labor under religious instruction mirrors historical colonial exploitation.
Religion and Hypocrisy
The plan uses religious instruction as a cover for profit, and Chowbok's transformation into a missionary highlights the hypocrisy of evangelization.
Truth and Deception
The narrator's scheme relies on deception, and Chowbok's false report of the narrator's death underscores themes of lying.
Characters to notice
- Narrator
Proposes a commercial and religious scheme to exploit Erewhon; returns to London and writes tracts.
- Arowhena
Accompanies the narrator to London; her presence is deemed necessary for the proposed scheme.
- Chowbok
Reappears as the Rev. William Habakkuk, a native missionary; had previously reported the narrator dead.
- Erewhonians
Targeted for recruitment as laborers in Queensland under the narrator's scheme.
- Marquis of Normanby
Quoted from a Times article regarding Polynesians in Queensland, used to justify the scheme.
- Mr. Habakkuk
Identified as Chowbok; introduced as a native missionary at Exeter Hall.
Key passages
“I have no doubt that a very great number might be thus induced to come back with us in the larger boats, and that we could fill our vessel with emigrants in three or four journeys.”
The narrator believes many Erewhonians can be tricked into emigrating to Queensland.
Highlights the deceptive recruitment strategy.
“It would be my duty and Arowhena’s to see that our emigrants should be boarded and lodged in the households of religious sugar-growers; these persons would give them the benefit of that instruction whereof they stand so greatly in need.”
The narrator and Arowhena will ensure Erewhonians are housed with pious plantation owners for religious education.
Reveals the blend of profit and religious justification.
“I feel that comment is unnecessary, and will therefore conclude with one word of thanks to the reader who may have had the patience to follow me through my adventures without losing his temper; but with two, for any who may write at once to the Secretary of the Erewhon Evangelisation Company, limited...”
The narrator thanks readers and invites them to invest in his scheme.
Direct appeal for financial backing.
“The reader may judge of my surprise at finding that he was none other than my old friend Chowbok!”
The narrator is shocked to discover the missionary is Chowbok.
Reveals Chowbok's transformation and the narrator's astonishment.