# XXIII explained — Lavengro

> Chapter companion for Lavengro by George Borrow.

## What happens

The youth and an elderly individual discuss philosophy, religion, literature, and smoking over wine. The elderly man defends German philosophy and smoking, while the youth praises Shakespeare and Danish ballads. They debate suicide, hero worship, and the nature of crime. The elderly man offers three pieces of advice: never lose sight of decency, remember that actions are always observed, and continue improving in German.

## Themes in this chapter

### Philology and Learning

The youth and elderly man discuss German, Hebrew, Danish ballads, and translation, highlighting the pursuit of linguistic and literary knowledge.

### Religion and Priestcraft

The elderly man offers a philosophical defense of Jesus as a hero and benefactor, and debates suicide as a crime, touching on religious and moral questions.

### Honor and Morality

The elderly man's advice emphasizes decency, gentleness, and the inevitability of one's actions being observed, reflecting moral and honorable conduct.

## Character check-ins

### Lavengro

The youth, now with greying hair, debates literature and philosophy with the elderly man, defends Shakespeare and Danish ballads, and admits his father is troubled by his new ideas.

### The Old Man

The elderly individual, a German teacher and philosopher, smokes a clay pipe, defends German culture, and offers the youth three pieces of advice before parting.

### The Jew Mousha

Mentioned as the strange foreigner who introduced the youth to the elderly man, taught German and Hebrew, borrowed money, and then left town.

## Key lines

> He must be a savage who denies worship to the hero of Golgotha.

Only a barbarian would refuse to honor the hero of Golgotha.

_The elderly man argues that Jesus, as a benefactor, deserves worship._

> I have always loved the truth, and sought it; if I have not found it, the greater my misfortune.

I have always cherished and pursued truth; if I have failed to find it, that is my tragedy.

_The elderly man expresses his philosophical quest and doubt._

> The decencies and gentlenesses should never be lost sight of, as the practice of the decencies and gentlenesses is at all times compatible with independence of thought and action.

One should always remember to be decent and gentle, as these qualities can coexist with independent thinking and behavior.

_First piece of advice from the elderly man._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lavengro_se/chapters/xxiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lavengro_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/lavengro_se/chapters