# XXIII explained — The Coming Race

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

## What happens

The narrator visits Aph-Lin's country-seat, admiring its beauty but troubled by Zee's persistent romantic advances. Aph-Lin explains Vril-ya customs, including the Tur's authority, the selection of a chief magistrate, and the lack of personal choice in certain duties. Zee confronts the narrator mid-flight, openly declaring her love, which he rejects. Aph-Lin advises that contradicting a Gy only strengthens her resolve. The chapter also describes Vril-ya agriculture, animal husbandry, and food sources.

## Themes in this chapter

### Gender Roles and Female Empowerment

Zee's open courtship and Aph-Lin's acceptance highlight the reversed gender dynamics, where women initiate romance and men are passive.

### Critique of Democracy and American Politics

Aph-Lin's explanation of Vril-ya governance—where the Tur's requests are unquestioned and leaders are chosen by a single person—serves as a critique of democratic systems.

### Utopian Society and Its Costs

The narrator's discomfort with Zee's advances and the lack of personal freedom in Vril-ya customs reveal the costs of this seemingly perfect society.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

Visits Aph-Lin's country-seat, feels trapped by Zee's affections, and rejects her advances.

### Aph-Lin

Hosts the narrator at his country-seat, explains Vril-ya governance and customs, and advises against directly opposing Zee.

### Zee

Flies to meet the narrator, openly declares her love, and is rebuffed by him.

## Key lines

> We are all formed by custom—even the difference of our race from the savage is but the transmitted continuance of custom, which becomes, through hereditary descent, part and parcel of our nature.

Custom shapes us entirely; the gap between civilized and savage is just inherited habit.

_Aph-Lin explains how Vril-ya society is governed by ingrained custom._

> The worst choice made by one who has no motive in choosing wrong, is better than the best choice made by many who have many motives for not choosing right.

A single unbiased decision is superior to a group decision influenced by conflicting interests.

_Aph-Lin contrasts Vril-ya and democratic methods of selecting leaders._

> Can love command itself where it is truly felt? Do you suppose that a maiden Gy will conceal a sentiment that it elevates her to feel?

True love cannot be hidden; a Gy woman feels proud to express her emotions openly.

_Zee defends her public declaration of love, reflecting Vril-ya gender norms._

## Links

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