The Book of Khalid · Chapter
IV: The Last Star explained
As Khalid, Shakib, and Im-Hanna prepare to leave New York, Shakib packs gifts and his poetry manuscript, while Khalid reflects on his disdain for modern civilization and his longing for a more spiritual existence.
What happens
As Khalid, Shakib, and Im-Hanna prepare to leave New York, Shakib packs gifts and his poetry manuscript, while Khalid reflects on his disdain for modern civilization and his longing for a more spiritual existence. The chapter captures their departure, including a dismissive farewell card from their landlord, and concludes with Khalid's philosophical musings on the 'last star' as a symbol of hope and individual will.
Themes in this chapter
Critique of Modernity
Khalid's vivid denunciation of New York's noise and chaos, and his preference for a simpler, more spiritual life, highlight the theme's critique of industrial civilization.
Spiritual Quest
Khalid's soliloquy about the 'last star' and his desire to find a land where the soul's purity is preserved reflect his ongoing spiritual search.
Individual vs. Institution
Khalid's assertion that neither Church nor State, nor Science, can determine the meaning of the star, but only the individual will, underscores this theme.
Characters to notice
- Khalid
Sits on his trunk, dreaming of leaving the 'pandemonium of Civilisation'; carries only a cigarette case, a locket, and a third-class passage; delivers a soliloquy on the 'last star' and the need for individual will.
- Shakib
Packs presents and his poetry manuscript, aspiring to political and literary fame; angered by the landlord's impersonal farewell card.
- Im Hanna
Cooks the last dish of mujaddara as the group prepares for departure.
Key passages
“O Phonograph, thou wonder of our time, Thy tongue of wax can sing like me in rhyme.”
The phonograph is a marvel of the age, capable of reproducing my poetic voice.
Example from Shakib's ode, illustrating the Modern School's fascination with science.
“O Brooklyn Bridge, how oft upon thy back I tramped, and once I crossed thee in a hack.”
I have walked across the Brooklyn Bridge many times, and once rode across in a carriage.
Another couplet from Shakib's poem, showing the blend of mundane experience and modern engineering.
“Balloons and airships, falling from the skies, Will be as plenty yet as summer flies.”
In the future, balloons and airships will be as common as flies in summer.
From Shakib's poem on modern science, predicting a future filled with aerial transport.
“Electricity and Steam and Compressed Air Will carry us to heaven yet, I swear.”
I swear that electricity, steam, and compressed air will eventually transport us to heaven.
A humorous yet earnest prediction from Shakib's ode to science.
“Mr. Isaac Goldheimer wishes you a bon voyage.”
Your landlord sends his best wishes for a good trip via a card.
The impersonal farewell that angers Shakib, highlighting the coldness of modern social conventions.