# XVIII explained — The Demi-Gods

> Chapter companion for The Demi-Gods by James Stephens.

## What happens

The ass, left standing in the rain, reflects on various foods—carrots, thistles, grass, bread, apples, sugar, hay, and oats—before Mary comes to unyoke him, embrace him, and feed him soft sugar. She then returns to the house with food, and the ass, feeling grateful, trots off to explore.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nature and Survival

The ass's detailed meditation on food and the harsh rainy conditions highlight themes of survival and the natural world.

## Character check-ins

### Mary Mac Cann

Mary unyokes the ass, embraces him, and gives him soft sugar before returning to the house with food.

## Key lines

> I’m very wet,” said the ass to himself, “and I wish I wasn’t.

The ass expressed his discomfort with being soaked.

_The ass's initial complaint about the rain._

> You are a good girl,” said the ass.

The ass acknowledged Mary's kindness.

_The ass's gratitude toward Mary for feeding him._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_demi_gods_se/chapters/xviii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_demi_gods_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_demi_gods_se/chapters