The Absolute at Large · Chapter
XX: St. Kilda explained
The chapter describes the secret St.
What happens
The chapter describes the secret St. Kilda Conference, where representatives of the Great Powers gather on a remote island to discuss colonial policy and the growing influence of the Absolute. The diplomats reveal their national biases and conflicting views on how to handle the religious phenomenon, while G. H. Bondy arrives for an audience. The conference ends without a clear decision, as unforeseen events begin to unfold.
Themes in this chapter
Religious Conflict and War
The conference reveals how each nation tries to co-opt the Absolute for its own political and religious agenda, leading to conflict.
Skepticism and Faith
Diplomats debate whether to recognize or deny the Absolute, showing a mix of skepticism and opportunistic faith.
Industrial Capitalism and Labor
The Karburator shipments and colonial exploitation are discussed, linking religion to economic and industrial interests.
Characters to notice
- Sir W. O'Patterney
English Premier, host of the St. Kilda Conference, tries to maintain neutrality in religious discussions.
- Dr. Wurm
German Imperial Chancellor, advocates for a State Absolute and criticizes Italian Karburators.
- Baron Yanato
Japanese Ambassador, promotes Japanese faith and smiles throughout the conference.
- General Buchtin
Russian representative, insists on Orthodox faith and Russian dominance.
- Mr. Kei
Chinese plenipotentiary, speaks little, mentions Buddha, and fingers a Buddhist rosary.
- Dudieu
French Premier, argues for denying the Absolute and warns of its radical nature.
- Horatio Bumm
American Ambassador, notes the Absolute's involvement in sports and changing water into drink.
- Prince Trivelino
Italian Minister, comments on the Absolute's nationalist and Catholic tendencies.
Key passages
“Neutrality in religious questions, please. For my own part, I use a double hook for salmon. The other day I caught one as long as that, look! Fourteen pounds.”
Sir W. O'Patterney tries to steer the conversation away from religious disputes by talking about salmon fishing.
Shows the diplomat's attempt to avoid conflict by diverting to trivial matters.
“We must either recognize Him or deny Him. We Frenchmen are in favour of the latter course!”
Dudieu states that France chooses to deny the Absolute rather than accept it.
Reveals the French position of outright rejection of the religious phenomenon.
“In my country He is quite at home. A very, very nice God. He has adapted Himself very well. Indeed, a very great Japanese.”
Baron Yanato claims the Absolute has become Japanese in nature and is well-integrated in Japan.
Illustrates how each nation projects its own identity onto the Absolute.