# XXII explained — The Coming Race

> Chapter companion for The Coming Race by Edward Bulwer-Lytton.

## What happens

The narrator discusses with Aph-Lin the dangers of traveling alone among the Vril-ya, including the risk of being dissected or killed by a child with a vril staff. He confesses his fear of Zee's romantic advances, and Aph-Lin warns that yielding would lead to his destruction. The chapter also describes the family's daily life, including Bra's management of the household, the sons' occupations, and the narrator's gift of a watch to the elder son.

## Themes in this chapter

### Utopian Society and Its Costs

The Vril-ya's peaceful order is maintained through strict control of outsiders and potential threats, as seen in the narrator's risk of dissection.

### Gender Roles and Female Empowerment

Zee's independence and the Gy-ei's freedom to travel and choose spouses highlight female agency, contrasting with the narrator's fear of her advances.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

Expresses desire to travel and fear of Zee's advances; receives warning from Aph-Lin.

### Aph-Lin

Explains dangers of travel, warns narrator against Zee, and shows his country-seat.

### Zee

Mentioned as a potential travel companion and as having romantic interest in the narrator; described as a guardian figure.

### Taë

Previously begged off the narrator from dissection; mentioned as a child-friend and companion.

### Bra

Aph-Lin's wife, manages household and accounts, enjoys reading ancient literature.

### Tur

Mentioned as having taken the narrator in and summoned sages; his authority is referenced.

## Key lines

> It is utterly impossible that you should go hence alone... Even among the Vril-ya you would be exposed to great dangers.

Aph-Lin tells the narrator he cannot travel alone due to the risks posed by his unusual appearance and the Vril-ya's customs.

_Highlights the narrator's vulnerability in the utopian society._

> if you yield, you will become a cinder.

Aph-Lin warns that if the narrator gives in to Zee's romantic advances, he will be killed.

_Emphasizes the severe consequences of violating social norms._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_coming_race_se/chapters/xxii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_coming_race_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_coming_race_se/chapters