XXVIII: “This Story Will Show You That, if You Want to Save a Fellow Creature from Blows and Believe That It Is Better to Rescue a Cat Than a Man, You Will Excite the Anger of Your Neighbours. All Roads Lead to Rome—But Metempsychosis Leads to the Lunatic Asylum.”—Balançon Star explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Obsession and Delusion

  Heraclius and Félorme both believe they are the reincarnation of Pythagoras and the sole author of the manuscript, leading to a violent rivalry.

• Illusion vs. Reality

  Heraclius's conviction that he is the author of the manuscript and a reincarnated philosopher is shattered by the encounter with Félorme, forcing him to confront the truth.

• Isolation and Loneliness

  Heraclius is isolated in his cell and later in the asylum garden, where he finds a kindred spirit only to become jealous and hostile.

• Cruelty and Suffering

  Heraclius endures physical and psychological suffering: mob violence, arrest, cold baths, and confinement in a mental institution.

Characters to notice

• Doctor Heraclius Gloss

  Arrested and committed to an asylum after a mob attack; struggles with his belief in metempsychosis and confronts a rival claimant.

• Guy de Maupassant

  Narrator of the story.

Key passages

• “Two hours later a huge crowd of shouting people was jostling and pushing in front of the Doctor’s windows. Soon a shower of stones shattered the panes and the crowd was about to rush the doors when the police appeared at the end of the street.”

  A mob gathers outside the Doctor's home, throws stones at his windows, and nearly breaks in before police arrive.

  The crowd's attack is incited by local priests, reflecting religious opposition to Heraclius's teachings.

• “The Doctor suddenly realized the terrible trap into which he had fallen and the devilish cunning of his enemies. Summoning all his strength he tried to hurl himself into the road, but two strong hands forced him back into his seat.”

  Heraclius realizes he is being taken to a mental asylum and desperately tries to escape from the carriage.

  Heraclius believes his enemies have conspired to have him committed.

• “For some minutes he considered the situation and then he began to read his manuscript, which he had taken care not to leave behind.”

  After waking from a long sleep, Heraclius reads his manuscript to assess his situation.

  The manuscript remains central to his identity and delusion.

• “The Doctor learnt that his companion was called Dagobert Félorme, and that he was Professor of modern languages at the college of Balançon.”

  Heraclius meets a fellow inmate named Dagobert Félorme, a language professor.

  Félorme becomes Heraclius's rival in the belief of metempsychosis.

• “Suddenly his companion exclaimed: “Metempsychosis⁠—It is I. It was I who discovered the evolution of souls and who welded the destinies of men. I was Pythagoras.””

  Félorme claims to be Pythagoras and the discoverer of metempsychosis.

  This triggers a conflict over authorship and identity.

• “The Doctor stopped dead, pale as a sheet. “Excuse me,” he said, “I am Pythagoras.””

  Heraclius counters that he himself is Pythagoras.

  Both men believe they are the same historical figure.