# II explained — Plague of Pythons

> Chapter companion for Plague of Pythons by Frederik Pohl.

## What happens

Chandler, on trial for rape committed during a possession, reflects on his innocence and the hypocrisy of a society where many guilty individuals walk free. His lawyer advises him that a possession defense is futile because the crime occurred at a pharmaceutical plant, an area believed immune to demons. Chandler recalls the murder of his wife Margot by his friend Jack Souther. During a chaotic moment in court when a woman is possessed, Chandler's lawyer exploits a technicality to secure his release, but Chandler must plead guilty and is branded with an 'H' for 'hoaxer' on his forehead.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Scapegoating

The legal system scapegoats Chandler as a hoaxer to satisfy public vengeance against an invisible enemy, while many truly guilty individuals remain free.

### Possession and Loss of Autonomy

Chandler's claim of possession highlights the loss of personal control in a world where demons can seize anyone at any time, yet the court refuses to accept it as a valid defense.

## Character check-ins

### Chandler

The protagonist on trial for rape, widowed after his wife Margot was murdered by Jack Souther. He struggles with his claim of possession and ultimately accepts a plea deal to avoid execution, only to be branded as a hoaxer.

### Peggy Flershem

The woman Chandler assaulted during his possession; she is mentioned as the victim in the culture room.

### Jack Souther

Chandler's friend who murdered Chandler's wife Margot; he is present in the courtroom watching the trial.

### Judge Ellithorp

The judge presiding over Chandler's trial; he accepts Chandler's change of plea to guilty after a brief conference.

### Sergeant Grantz

The guard responsible for Chandler's custody; he is a stickler for promptness.

## Key lines

> The odd thing about Chandler’s dilemma was not merely that he was innocent⁠—in a way, that is⁠—but that many who were guilty (in a way; as guilty as he himself, at any rate) were free and honored citizens.

Chandler's situation is ironic: he is technically innocent, yet many people who are just as guilty as he is walk free and respected.

_Highlights the theme of justice and scapegoating._

> What had put Chandler in the dock was not what his body had been seen to do, but the place in which it had been seen to do it.

Chandler is on trial not for the act itself, but because it occurred at a location believed to be immune to demonic possession.

_Explains the legal absurdity central to the chapter._

> The real enemy was out of reach; when any citizen might run wild and, when caught, relapse into his own self, terrified and sick, there was a need to strike back. But the enemy was invisible. The hoaxers were only whipping boys⁠—but they were the only targets vengeance had.

Since the true demons are invisible and untouchable, society vents its rage on hoaxers as scapegoats.

_Directly addresses the theme of scapegoating._

## Links

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