# XIII: What Tottles Meant explained — Sylvie and Bruno > Chapter companion for Sylvie and Bruno by Lewis Carroll. ## What happens Mein Herr shares a satirical poem about Tottles and a legend about egg-buying in Africa, then explains the ruinous 'Theory of Political Dichotomy' that led to his exile. He contrasts British and Outlandish university examination systems, where old men are examined by young scholars. ## Themes in this chapter ### Social Critique and Class The poem about Tottles and the legend of the egg merchants critique consumerism and class-based spending. The political dichotomy theory satirizes partisan gridlock. ### Education and Learning Mein Herr contrasts British and Outlandish university systems, critiquing the timing of examinations and the retention of knowledge. ### Morality and Ethics The egg legend illustrates collective folly and the moral of cooperation. The political dichotomy leads to war and exile, highlighting ethical consequences of flawed systems. ## Character check-ins ### Narrator The narrator listens to Mein Herr's stories and songs, asks questions about the political dichotomy and examination systems. ### Mein Herr Mein Herr sings the poem about Tottles, reads the African egg legend, explains the Theory of Political Dichotomy, and describes the Outlandish university examination system. ### Tottles Tottles is the subject of a poem sung by Mein Herr, celebrating a life of luxury and contentment. ### The Count The French Count is briefly mentioned as the source of the musical tones that the narrator initially attributes to Mein Herr. ## Key lines > One thousand pounds per annum Is not so bad a figure, come! Cried Tottles. And I tell you, flat, A man may marry well on that! Tottles declares that an annual income of a thousand pounds is sufficient for a man to marry comfortably. _Opening lines of the poem sung by Mein Herr, establishing Tottles' confident materialism._ > What ruined my country, and drove me from my home, was the introduction—into the Army, of all places—of your theory of Political Dichotomy! Mein Herr states that adopting the British two-party system in the military caused his nation's downfall and his exile. _Key explanation of the political satire central to the chapter._ > On an average, the knowledge then found is about one-fifth of what it was at first—the process of forgetting going on at a very steady uniform rate—and he, who forgets least, gets most honour, and most rewards. In Outland, students are examined at the end of their studies, and those who retain the most knowledge receive the highest honors and rewards. _Description of the alternative university examination system._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sylvie_and_bruno_se/chapters/volume-ii-xiii-what-tottles-meant - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sylvie_and_bruno_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sylvie_and_bruno_se/chapters