# II explained — Moving the Mountain

> Chapter companion for Moving the Mountain by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.

## What happens

John struggles to comprehend the transformed world he has returned to. Nellie attempts to explain the profound changes, describing a new religion of 'living' and a world that has 'come alive.' John feels a deep sense of loss and disorientation, comparing his experience to waking up in a house full of strangers. He explores the ship, noting the improved conditions for the crew and the strange absence of smoking, which further unsettles him.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Power of Ideas and Consciousness

Nellie explains that the real change is a change of mind, a shift in consciousness that has allowed humanity to solve its problems and create a better world.

### The Role of Religion and Ethics

The chapter discusses the emergence of a 'new religion' called 'living' or 'life,' which replaces old moral concepts like 'sin' and 'damnation' with a focus on practical, collective well-being.

### The Outsider and Cultural Disorientation

John feels like an 'Extinct Species of Mind,' experiencing a profound sense of alienation and horror as he confronts a world that is fundamentally different from the one he left.

## Character check-ins

### Brother John

Struggles to comprehend the new world, feeling a sense of loss and disorientation. He is skeptical of Nellie's explanations and finds the changes abhorrent.

### Nellie Robertson

Attempts to explain the new world to John, describing a new religion of 'living' and a world that has 'come alive.' She is patient but firm in her explanations.

## Key lines

> The thing that has happened, said she, slowly, is just this. The world has come alive.

Nellie explains that the fundamental change is that humanity has become fully engaged and active in improving its own condition.

_This is a key statement of the new philosophy that Nellie is trying to convey to John._

> We have changed our minds.

The most significant transformation is a collective shift in perspective and attitude, which has enabled all other progress.

_This highlights the theme of the power of ideas and consciousness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/moving_the_mountain_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/moving_the_mountain_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/moving_the_mountain_se/chapters