# The Knees of the Gods explained — The Black Mask

> Chapter companion for The Black Mask by E. W. Hornung.

## What happens

Raffles and Bunny are in South Africa during the Boer War, where Raffles has enlisted under an assumed name. The chapter details their military experiences, the dangers of war, and Raffles' final heroic act leading to his death.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Honor

Raffles seeks redemption through military service and dies a hero's death.

### Redemption and Morality

Raffles attempts to atone for his criminal past by fighting for his country.

## Character check-ins

### A. J. Raffles

Enlists under an assumed name in the Boer War, displays heroism, and meets his end.

### Bunny

Serves alongside Raffles in the war, witnesses his final moments.

### Corporal Connal

A traitor exposed by Raffles during the campaign.

## Key lines

> The Knees of the Gods

The title references a line from Tennyson, suggesting that fate or divine judgment is at play.

_The chapter title alludes to the idea that the gods decide the outcomes of mortal struggles._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_mask_se/chapters/the-knees-of-the-gods
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_mask_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_black_mask_se/chapters