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Short Fiction · Chapter

How Nycteris Grew explained

Nycteris, kept in darkness by Watho, secretly learns to read with Falca's help and finds joy in her musical instrument.

What happens

Nycteris, kept in darkness by Watho, secretly learns to read with Falca's help and finds joy in her musical instrument. She yearns for more space and is deeply moved by the lamp in her chamber, which stirs vague longings and tears.

Themes in this chapter

  • Reality vs. Illusion

    Nycteris's limited understanding of the world contrasts with the allegorical representations on the walls and the lamp's symbolic light.

Characters to notice

  • Nycteris

    Secretly learns to read, loves her instrument, and gazes at the lamp with longing.

  • Watho

    Gives Nycteris minimal education by word of mouth, intending to keep her from reading.

  • Falca

    Teaches Nycteris the letters and occasionally brings her children's books.

Key passages

  • “The little education she intended Nycteris to have, Watho gave her by word of mouth.”

    Watho taught Nycteris only through speech, deliberately limiting her learning.

    Highlights Watho's control over Nycteris's knowledge.

  • “She was not unhappy. She knew nothing of the world except the tomb in which she dwelt, and had some pleasure in everything she did.”

    Nycteris felt content in her ignorance, finding joy in her confined existence.

    Illustrates Nycteris's innocence and the paradox of her happiness.

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