# XIV: The Sun explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by George MacDonald.

## What happens

Nycteris watches over the sleeping Photogen through the night, but as dawn approaches and the sun rises, she is overwhelmed by the light, which she perceives as a terrifying death. Photogen awakens, dismisses her fear, and leaves her to pursue his hunt in the sun, while Nycteris, blinded and terrified, crawls back to her dark cell.

## Themes in this chapter

### Reality vs. Illusion

Nycteris perceives the sunrise as a terrifying death, while Photogen sees it as glorious; their contrasting interpretations highlight the theme of subjective reality.

### Suffering and Divine Chastening

Nycteris experiences intense suffering and fear from the light, which she interprets as a form of death or punishment, and she is left forsaken.

## Character check-ins

### Nycteris

Sits vigil over Photogen all night, but is terrified and overwhelmed by the rising sun, which she mistakes for death; she retreats to her dark cell in despair.

### Colin

Referred to as Photogen; sleeps through the night, then awakens with arrogance, dismisses Nycteris's fear, and leaves to hunt in the sunlight.

## Key lines

> Oh, I am so frightened! What is this? It must be death! I don't wish to die yet. I love this room and the old lamp. I do not want the other place! This is terrible.

Nycteris cries out in terror, believing the approaching dawn is death and expressing her desire to stay in the familiar darkness.

_Highlights Nycteris's fear of the unknown and her attachment to the night._

> There is no fear of anything now, child. It is day. The sun is all but up. Look! he will be above the brow of yon hill in one moment more! Goodbye. Thank you for my night's lodging. I'm off. Don't be a goose.

Photogen dismisses Nycteris's fear, tells her it is safe now that day has come, and leaves her without concern.

_Shows Photogen's arrogance and lack of empathy for Nycteris's distress._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_21_se/chapters/xiv-the-sun
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_21_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_21_se/chapters