# Sundry Devices of the Philistines explained — Jurgen

> Chapter companion for Jurgen by James Branch Cabell.

## What happens

The Philistines capture the Fields and judge Jurgen and the People of the Field as obsolete illusions. Jurgen argues he is flesh and blood and King of Eubonia, but the priests dismiss him. Queen Dolores interrogates Jurgen in her tent under the guise of mathematics, and they develop a rapport. Jurgen refuses to compromise with Philistia, despite Dolores's offers. The priests decree him a backslider and plan to relegate him to limbo. Jurgen attempts to use a cantrap about Pope John numbering, but it fails to impress.

## Themes in this chapter

### Illusion vs. Reality

The Philistines declare Jurgen and the People of the Field obsolete illusions, while Jurgen insists on his flesh-and-blood reality.

### Compromise and Conformity

Jurgen refuses to compromise with Philistia despite temptations, asserting his instinctive defiance of their laws.

### Self-Deception and Identity

Jurgen's claim to be a monstrous clever fellow and his reliance on cantrap magic reflect his self-deceptive strategies.

## Character check-ins

### Jurgen

Argues his reality and kingship before the Philistine judges, engages in mathematical discourse with Queen Dolores, and refuses to compromise with Philistia.

### Queen Dolores

Wise Queen of Philistia who interrogates Jurgen in her tent, finds him clever and appealing, but regrets his refusal to conform.

### Chloris

Among the People of the Field judged and declared obsolete illusions by the Philistines.

### Gowlais

Cited by Jurgen as an authority on Eubonian religion; his works are denounced by the priest of Sesphra.

## Key lines

> The People of the Field, said they, have never fought, and for them to begin now would be a very unheard-of thing indeed.

The Field inhabitants are pacifists by tradition, so resistance is unthinkable.

_Explains the easy Philistine occupation._

> I can prove anything you require of me by whatever means you may prefer, for the simple reason that I am a monstrous clever fellow.

Jurgen boasts he can prove any claim using any method because he is extremely intelligent.

_Highlights Jurgen's arrogance and wit._

> I, who compromise with everything else, can make no compromise with Philistia.

Jurgen will yield on any other matter but refuses to submit to Philistine ways.

_Central to his defiance._

## Links

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