Erewhon · Chapter
Escape explained
The narrator finalizes his plan to escape Erewhon with Arowhena via a balloon, using the Queen's curiosity and the King's disbelief to gain permission.
What happens
The narrator finalizes his plan to escape Erewhon with Arowhena via a balloon, using the Queen's curiosity and the King's disbelief to gain permission. After a perilous ascent and a desperate battle against sinking, they are rescued by a ship, ultimately finding safety and freedom.
Themes in this chapter
Truth and Deception
The narrator deceives the Queen and King about his intentions for the balloon, framing it as a religious mission to the air god.
Wealth and Social Status
The narrator's prosecution is tied to his possession of a watch and attempt to reintroduce machinery, reflecting Erewhon's inverted values.
Inversion of Morality
The narrator is to be prosecuted for 'measles' while his deceitful escape plan is seen as legitimate by the Erewhonians.
Characters to notice
- Narrator
Orchestrates the balloon escape, deceives the Queen about his intentions, and risks everything to flee with Arowhena.
- Arowhena
Agrees to escape with the narrator despite the dangers, showing courage and trust.
- Erewhonians
The cashier of the Musical Banks warns the narrator of his impending prosecution; the Queen and King are involved in granting permission for the balloon.
- Zulora
Mentioned as someone Arowhena must appear cheerful around to avoid suspicion.
- Mr. Nosnibor
His garden is used as a meeting place for the narrator and Arowhena.
- Mrs. Nosnibor
Implied as part of the household Arowhena must deceive.
- Queen
Helps the narrator by persuading the King and facilitating the balloon's construction, though deceived about its true purpose.
- King
Reluctantly permits the balloon ascent, believing it will fail and kill the narrator.
Key passages
“I was also laying matters in train for my escape with Arowhena.”
I was secretly planning our getaway with Arowhena.
The narrator begins to organize the escape.
“I received an intimation from one of the cashiers of the Musical Banks, that I was to be prosecuted in a criminal court ostensibly for measles, but really for having owned a watch, and attempted the reintroduction of machinery.”
A bank cashier warned me that I would be charged with measles, though the real reason was my watch and my efforts to bring back machines.
The narrator learns of the impending prosecution under Erewhon's inverted laws.
“I said my intention was to go up into the sky and prevail upon the air god by means of a personal interview.”
I claimed I wanted to ascend and personally persuade the air god to end the drought.
The narrator deceives the Queen about his balloon's purpose.
“He demonstrated this to her so convincingly, that she was alarmed, and tried to talk me into giving up the idea.”
The King convinced the Queen the balloon would fail, making her try to dissuade me.
The King's skepticism nearly derails the plan.
“I told her that my plan would probably end in death for both of us, and that I dared not press it.”
I warned Arowhena that our escape might kill us both, and I wouldn't insist if she hesitated.
The narrator presents the grim reality to Arowhena.
“She made no resistance, not a sign or hint of doubt or hesitation.”
She agreed without any reluctance or uncertainty.
Arowhena's unwavering commitment to the escape.
