XIII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Mortality and Immortality

  Lucifer explains that death must be undergone before it can be understood, and that Festus lacks both the life of Heaven and the death of earth.

• The Pursuit of Knowledge and Power

  Festus seeks to see all as spirit should, but Lucifer tells him he lacks the necessary life and death to perceive in harmony with God.

Characters to notice

• Festus

  Expresses desire for Eternity and Heaven; is told he still bears earthly discontent.

• Lucifer

  Guides Festus through space and time, explaining the necessity of passing through worlds and the need for death to understand spirit.

Key passages

• “We are in space and time, just as we were Some half a second since; where wouldst thou be?”

  We are still in space and time, just as we were a moment ago; where do you want to be?

  Lucifer reminds Festus of their current location in the cosmos.

• “Death must be undergone ere understood.”

  You have to experience death before you can truly understand it.

  Lucifer explains that understanding death requires firsthand experience.