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Poetry · Chapter
XLI explained
The soul of Joe Russel, a crank, flees his body like a cold fish escaping its tank.
What happens
The soul of Joe Russel, a crank, flees his body like a cold fish escaping its tank. He roars for cold water, which is thrown upon him, and then the music stops.
Themes in this chapter
Mortality and Regret
The chapter depicts the moment of death and the soul's departure.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The narrator describes the death of Joe Russel.
Key passages
“Like a cold fish escaping from its tank, Hence fled the soul of Joe Russel, crank.”
The soul of the eccentric Joe Russel left his body abruptly, like a fish darting from its aquarium.
Metaphor for the sudden departure of the soul at death.
“He cried: “Cold water!” roaring like a beast. ’Twas thrown upon him and the music ceased.”
He bellowed for cold water like a wild animal, and when it was thrown on him, the music stopped.
Final moments before death, with a dramatic and chaotic end.