# XXXVII explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Xavier de Maistre.

## What happens

The narrator reflects on the vast scope of his imaginative travels, from ancient myths to Milton's Paradise Lost, confessing a peculiar admiration for Milton's Satan despite his evil nature.

## Themes in this chapter

### Imagination vs. Reality

The narrator roams across time and space through poetic imagination, contrasting ancient grandeur with modern pettiness.

### The Ordinary as Extraordinary

The journey around his room is elevated to the level of epic travels like Milton's Satan through chaos.

## Character check-ins

### Orestes

The narrator mentions the madness of Orestes and the tragic history of the Atrides.

### Aspasia

Referenced indirectly through the mention of Ariadne and classical figures, but not directly present in this chapter.

## Key lines

> All the events that have taken place between these two epochs; all the countries, all the worlds, all the beings that have existed between these two boundaries—all are mine, all as lawfully belong to me as the ships that entered the Piræus belonged to a certain Athenian.

The narrator claims ownership of all history and existence through his imaginative travels, just as an Athenian owned ships in port.

_Highlights the theme of imagination as a form of possession and exploration._

> I cannot help taking a certain interest in Satan, thus hurled headlong from heaven. (I am speaking, of course, of Milton’s Satan.)

The narrator admits a guilty admiration for Milton's Satan, despite his evil role.

_Reveals the narrator's complex sympathy for a rebellious figure, blending moral judgment with aesthetic appreciation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_58_se/chapters/xxxvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_58_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_58_se/chapters