IX explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Loneliness and Longing

  The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò's sad farewell and journey into the sunset suggest a poignant sense of loss and longing.

• Adventure and Exploration

  The Turtle's voyage through the silent-roaring ocean to the sunset isles of Boshen embodies a surreal adventure.

Characters to notice

• The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò

  Rides the Turtle across the ocean, singing farewell to Lady Jingly Jones.

• Lady Jingly Jones

  Addressed in farewell by the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò.

• The Turtle

  Carries the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò on his shell through the ocean.

Key passages

• “Through the silent-roaring ocean Did the Turtle swiftly go; Holding fast upon his shell Rode the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò.”

  The Turtle moved quickly across the paradoxically quiet yet roaring sea, carrying the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò on its back.

  Describes the Turtle's swift journey with the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò clinging to its shell.

• “With a sad primaeval motion Towards the sunset isles of Boshen Still the Turtle bore him well.”

  The Turtle continued steadily with an ancient, sorrowful movement toward the western islands of Boshen.

  Highlights the Turtle's ancient and melancholic progress toward the isles of Boshen.

• “Holding fast upon his shell, 'Lady Jingly Jones, farewell!' Sang the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò, Sang the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò.”

  Clutching the Turtle's shell, the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò sang a repeated farewell to Lady Jingly Jones.

  The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò bids a musical goodbye to Lady Jingly Jones as he departs.