Lavengro · Chapter
The Fulfillment of the Armenian's Wish explained
The Armenian achieves his fortune of over two hundred thousand pounds through a successful speculation and a bequest.
What happens
The Armenian achieves his fortune of over two hundred thousand pounds through a successful speculation and a bequest. He discusses his future plans with the narrator over Cyprus wine. Rabbi Manasseh, a Spanish Jew, visits to deliver money, leading to a conversation about language, interpretation, and the nature of Janus. The narrator challenges the Armenian to use his wealth to free Armenia from Persian oppression.
Themes in this chapter
Philology and Learning
The discussion between the narrator and Rabbi Manasseh about the etymology of Janus and janin, and the gift of interpretation.
Freedom vs. Convention
The narrator challenges the Armenian to use his wealth to free Armenia from Persian oppression rather than merely accumulating more money.
Religion and Priestcraft
Rabbi Manasseh contrasts the knowledge of the Goyim with the sacred gift of interpretation given to the seed of Israel.
Characters to notice
- The Armenian
Has achieved his fortune of over two hundred thousand pounds and discusses future plans with the narrator.
- Lavengro
Visits the Armenian and engages in philosophical and linguistic discussion with Rabbi Manasseh.
- Jasper Petulengro
Referenced as a teacher in the school of fighting.
- Tawno Chikno
Referenced alongside Jasper Petulengro as a teacher in the school of fighting.
Key passages
“Partly owing to the success of a bold speculation, in which he had some time previously engaged, and partly owing to the bequest of a large sum of money by one of his nation who died at this period in Paris, he found himself in the possession of a fortune somewhat exceeding two hundred thousand pounds”
The Armenian's wealth came from a risky investment that paid off and a large inheritance from a fellow countryman who died in Paris.
Explains the source of the Armenian's fortune.
“He—he—he! you must know that in Lasan akhades wine is janin. In Armenian, kini, said I; in Welsh, gwin; Latin, vinum; but do you think that Janus and janin are one?”
Rabbi Manasseh connects the word for wine in Hebrew (janin) to the Roman god Janus, sparking a philological debate.
Highlights the linguistic and interpretive discussion.
“Would you, then, have me attack the Persian? I scarcely know what to say; fighting is a rough trade, and I am by no means certain that you are calculated for the scratch. It is not everyone who has been brought up in the school of Mr. Petulengro and Tawno Chikno.”
The narrator suggests the Armenian use his wealth to fight the Persians but doubts his combat readiness, referencing the Gypsy fighters Jasper Petulengro and Tawno Chikno.
Shows the narrator's challenge and the contrast between scholarly and martial pursuits.