She · Chapter
VII: Ustane Sings explained
The chapter describes the arrival of Holly, Leo, Job, and Mahomed at the caves of the Amahagger, where they are welcomed by Billali and fed.
What happens
The chapter describes the arrival of Holly, Leo, Job, and Mahomed at the caves of the Amahagger, where they are welcomed by Billali and fed. Billali explains that their lives were spared by a mysterious queen called 'She-who-must-be-obeyed' and that he must travel to consult her about their fate. During Billali's absence, Ustane becomes attached to Leo and shares information about the Amahagger and the surrounding swamps. On the fourth night, Ustane sings a prophetic chant and has a vision, then collapses in fear. The chapter ends with her expressing deep love for Leo and a sense of impending doom.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Reincarnation
Ustane's chant suggests a destined connection with Leo and foretells a tragic separation, hinting at reincarnation or fate.
Love and Obsession
Ustane's intense devotion to Leo and her possessive love are central to the chapter.
Colonialism and the Other
The Amahagger are portrayed as exotic and dangerous, with their customs and queen viewed through a colonial lens.
Characters to notice
- Horace Holly
Narrator and observer; skeptical but increasingly awed by the events.
- Leo Vincey
Object of Ustane's affection; speaks Arabic and is growing attached to her.
- Job
Alarmed by the Amahagger women; has abandoned reason and is fearful.
- Billali
Saturnine host who explains the customs and leaves to consult She.
- Ustane
Devoted to Leo; sings a prophetic chant and has a terrifying vision.
- Mahomed
Frightened Arab who believes the Amahagger are devils.
- The Amahagger
The People of the Rocks; live in caves and treat strangers with suspicion.
Key passages
“Are there none in your land who can see without eyes and hear without ears? Ask no questions; She knew.”
Billali implies that She has supernatural knowledge, refusing to explain how she knew of their arrival.
Highlights the mysterious and omniscient nature of She.
“When I am gone from thee, my chosen; when at night thou stretchest out thine hand and canst not find me, then shouldst thou think at times of me, for of a truth I love thee well, though I be not fit to wash thy feet.”
Ustane expresses her deep love for Leo and foreshadows her own death or departure.
Emphasizes the theme of love and impending loss.
“The marshes, she told us, were absolutely impassable except to those who knew the paths, adding, what I could well believe, that we should never have reached this place where we then were had we not been brought thither.”
Ustane explains that the swamps are impenetrable without guidance, underscoring their isolation.
Reinforces the sense of a hidden, inaccessible world.