Figures of Earth · Chapter
XXII: Return of Niafer explained
Dom Manuel, playing a flageolet, has a vision of Misery entering the pagan paradise where Niafer resides.
What happens
Dom Manuel, playing a flageolet, has a vision of Misery entering the pagan paradise where Niafer resides. Misery's presence corrupts the paradise, and both are expelled. Niafer, accompanied by Misery, passes through various angelic guardians who cannot separate them. They emerge on earth, where Misery prophesies Niafer's future joys and sorrows before departing temporarily.
Themes in this chapter
The Inevitability of Misery
Misery cannot be separated from Niafer and prophesies its inevitable return in human life.
Love and Disillusionment
Niafer's love for Manuel disrupts the pagan paradise, and Misery foretells the eventual disillusionment in their relationship.
The Loss of Youth and Idealism
Misery predicts Niafer will lose her youthful beliefs and become resigned to life's sorrows.
Characters to notice
- Dom Manuel
Sits at the feet of an image playing a flageolet, experiencing a vision of Niafer and Misery.
- Niafer
Dead for over a year, she is in the pagan paradise, remembers Manuel, and is expelled with Misery.
- The Head of Misery
Enters the pagan paradise, clings to Niafer, and prophesies her future before departing.
Key passages
“How can anybody expect us to waste eternity with recreations which are only fitted to waste time?”
The heroes in paradise complain that their eternal activities are pointless.
Misery's presence makes the pagan paradise's inhabitants question the value of their eternal pastimes.
“I love you,' said the lovers. 'You have been telling me that for twelve centuries,' replied the ladies, yawning, 'and too much of anything is enough.'”
Lovers in paradise grow bored with each other after endless repetition.
Misery's influence causes even romantic relationships in paradise to become tedious.
“Take no fear for not seeing me again, now that you are about once more to become human.”
Misery assures Niafer that they will meet again in her human life.
Misery prophesies its return after Niafer's initial joys.