# XX explained — Metropolis

> Chapter companion for Metropolis by Thea von Harbou.

## What happens

Josaphat rushes to warn Freder that Maria has been captured by a mob. Freder and Josaphat race across a collapsing city, crossing a dangerous bridge to reach the cathedral square. Freder arrives to find the mob about to burn Maria at the stake. He is bound and forced to watch as the pyre is lit, but his bonds break. The woman on the pyre, whom Freder believes to be Maria, smiles and invites him to dance with her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class Division and Exploitation

The mob's hatred targets Freder as the son of Joh Fredersen, highlighting class antagonism.

### Rebellion and Revolution

The mob's violent actions and the burning of Yoshiwara represent a chaotic uprising against the ruling class.

### Love and Sacrifice

Freder's desperate attempt to save Maria and his willingness to die for her underscore the theme of sacrificial love.

## Character check-ins

### Freder

Desperately races to save Maria, crosses a dangerous bridge, and is bound by the mob as the pyre is lit.

### Josaphat

Brings news of Maria's capture, accompanies Freder, and is injured when the car crashes.

### Grot

Opens the door for Josaphat, initially hostile but later shows remorse for the woman who saved his children.

### Maria

Captured by the mob and about to be burned at the stake; the woman on the pyre smiles and invites Freder to dance.

## Key lines

> Freder, they've taken Maria captive—

Josaphat informs Freder that Maria has been captured.

_Key plot point that drives the chapter's action._

> Dance with me, my dearest! Dance with me—!

The woman on the pyre invites Freder to dance with her.

_Climactic moment blending horror and tragic romance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metropolis_se/chapters/xx
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metropolis_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metropolis_se/chapters