XXVI: In Time's Hourglass explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Illusion vs. Reality

  Jurgen rejects the paradises as 'glorified brothels' and feigns disinterest in Leukê, while secretly being captivated by Queen Helen's image.

• Self-Deception and Identity

  Jurgen lies to Anaïtis about his desires, pretending indifference to manipulate her, while his true feelings for Queen Helen emerge.

• Love and Marriage

  Jurgen and Anaïtis's relationship is strained by Jurgen's infatuation with Queen Helen and his manipulative tactics.

Characters to notice

• Jurgen

  Feigns indifference to manipulate Anaïtis, but is captivated by the vision of Queen Helen in Leukê.

• Queen Anaïtis

  Shows Jurgen various paradises through Time's hourglass, sees through his lies, and decides to send him to Leukê.

• Queen Helen

  Appears in the vision of Leukê, resembling young Dorothy la Désirée, and captivates Jurgen.

• Madame Dorothy

  Mentioned as the one Queen Helen resembles, stirring Jurgen's emotions.

Key passages

• “Infatuation is largely a matter of curiosity, and both of these emotions die when they are fed.”

  Infatuation and curiosity fade once satisfied.

  Jurgen explains to Anaïtis why his passion for her has waned.

• “I am ashamed of my fellows: for it appears their notion of felicity is to dwell eternally in a glorified brothel.”

  Jurgen criticizes the paradises as mere places of endless pleasure, lacking substance.

  Jurgen rejects the earthly paradises shown by Anaïtis.

• “For the heart of no man remains untroubled after he has once viewed Queen Helen and the beauty that is hers.”

  Seeing Queen Helen disturbs every man's peace.

  Anaïtis warns Jurgen about the effect of Queen Helen's beauty.