Poetry · Chapter
A Constructor explained
The narrator encounters the Devil building a customs-house by the sea.
What happens
The narrator encounters the Devil building a customs-house by the sea. When asked why, the Devil replies that he has built enough churches.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Corruption
The Devil building a customs-house suggests a critique of institutional corruption, contrasting with his usual association with churches.
Characters to notice
- Jack Satan
The Devil is seen building a customs-house by the sea, stating he has built enough churches.
Key passages
“I saw the devil. He was working free— A customs-house he builded by the sea. “Why do you this?” The devil raised his head: “Of churches I have built enough,” he said.”
The narrator sees the Devil freely constructing a customs-house by the sea. When questioned, the Devil replies that he has already built enough churches.
The Devil's shift from building churches to a customs-house implies a commentary on the corruption of commerce and governance.