# XXII explained — Metropolis

> Chapter companion for Metropolis by Thea von Harbou.

## What happens

Joh Fredersen waits in the darkened New Tower of Babel for news of his son. Slim returns with the devastating report that Freder cannot be found, having left with a worker. The city descends into chaos and destruction. Josaphat climbs the stairs to deliver the same news. Joh Fredersen's hair turns white as he witnesses Freder rescue Maria from Rotwang on the cathedral roof, and Rotwang falls to his death.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class Division and Exploitation

Slim's accusation that the city's madness and destruction result from Joh Fredersen's will highlights the exploitation and suffering of the working class.

### Father-Son Conflict

Joh Fredersen's desperate search for Freder and his emotional breakdown underscore the deep rift and eventual reconciliation between father and son.

### Religious and Mythological Symbolism

The cathedral roof, the Virgin statue, and Rotwang's vision of Hel as an angel of death invoke Christian and mythological motifs.

## Character check-ins

### Joh Fredersen

Waits in the dark New Tower of Babel, learns his son is missing, and later witnesses Freder's rescue of Maria; his hair turns white from grief.

### Slim

Returns to report that Freder cannot be found, confronts Joh Fredersen with hatred and accusation.

### Josaphat

Drags himself up the stairs of the New Tower of Babel to deliver news of Freder's disappearance.

### Freder

Rescues Maria from Rotwang on the cathedral roof, carrying her to safety.

### Rotwang

Captures Maria, fights Freder on the cathedral roof, and falls to his death after seeing Hel's vision.

### Maria

Rescued by Freder from Rotwang on the cathedral roof.

## Key lines

> Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he reap

You reap what you sow.

_Joh Fredersen mutters this biblical proverb as he realizes the consequences of his actions._

> Where is my son?

Where is my child?

_Joh Fredersen repeatedly asks this question, showing his desperation and grief._

## Links

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