Lavengro · Chapter
XLVII explained
The narrator visits the Armenian in his counting-room, where they discuss language, philology, and the Armenian's offer to translate Z——.
What happens
The narrator visits the Armenian in his counting-room, where they discuss language, philology, and the Armenian's offer to translate Z——. The narrator declines, wary of repeating past mistakes with philosophy translation. The Armenian shares his background and love of gold, while the narrator defends the Romany language and Mr. Petulengro.
Themes in this chapter
Philology and Learning
The narrator and Armenian debate linguistic connections between Armenian, English, and Romany, highlighting the era's philological pursuits.
Identity and Belonging
The Armenian's pride in his heritage and the narrator's defense of Petulengro's culture explore ethnic identity and outsider status.
Characters to notice
- Lavengro
Visits the Armenian, discusses philology, refuses translation offer, defends Petulengro.
- The Armenian
London-born Armenian merchant, proud of his language and race, offers narrator work translating Z——.
- Jasper Petulengro
Mentioned by narrator as a dark, mysterious figure whose language may solve a philological problem.
Key passages
“I am now a poor author, or rather a philologist, upon the streets of London, possessed of many tongues, which I find of no use in the world.”
The narrator describes himself as a destitute philologist in London, whose knowledge of many languages is practically useless.
Reflects the narrator's disillusionment with philology as a means of livelihood.
“Learning without money is anything but desirable, as it unfits a man for humble occupations.”
The Armenian observes that education without wealth makes it hard to take on lowly work.
Highlights the tension between intellectual pursuits and practical survival.