Poetry · Chapter
Professor Noctutus explained
Professor Noctutus boasts of his unique nocturnal wisdom, claiming to observe truths invisible to others, from the moon nesting on the sea to the wind's dreams, and promises to lead and ultimately bury his followers like an owl.
What happens
Professor Noctutus boasts of his unique nocturnal wisdom, claiming to observe truths invisible to others, from the moon nesting on the sea to the wind's dreams, and promises to lead and ultimately bury his followers like an owl.
Themes in this chapter
Nature as Divine Revelation
The professor's observations of the moon, sea, wind, and oysters reveal hidden truths in nature, suggesting a mystical understanding of the world.
Characters to notice
- The Owl
The professor likens himself to an owl, a creature of night and wisdom, who will bury his followers with spade and shovel.
- Moon
The white moon is seen sitting on the sea like a fluffy owl, hatching boats and fowl.
- The Wind
The wind is observed carrying dreams in his hat, shaking them out as he goes, and they rush into men's noses.
Key passages
“Nobody knows the world but me. The rest go to bed; I sit up and see.”
I alone understand the world; while others sleep, I stay awake and perceive its secrets.
The professor asserts his unique nocturnal insight.
“I can see the wind: can you do that? I see the dreams he has in his hat, I see him shaking them out as he goes, I see them rush in at man’s snoring nose.”
I perceive the wind and the dreams it carries, which enter sleeping people's noses.
The professor claims to see invisible phenomena, emphasizing his superior observation.