# XXVI: In Time's Hourglass explained — Jurgen

> Chapter companion for Jurgen by James Branch Cabell.

## What happens

Jurgen and Anaïtis use Time's hourglass to view various paradises, but Jurgen rejects them all. Anaïtis shows him Leukê, where he sees Queen Helen, who resembles Dorothy. Jurgen feigns indifference to manipulate Anaïtis, but she sees through his lies and decides to send him to Leukê.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jurgen_se/chapters/xxvi-in-time-s-hourglass
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jurgen_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/jurgen_se/chapters