XXXIV explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Freedom and Outlawry

  Patsy's theft and return of the wings, his discarding of the stolen money, and Caeltia's philosophical dismissal of robbery as 'infantile' explore the boundaries of law, necessity, and moral freedom.

• Storytelling and Wisdom

  Caeltia's discourse on knowledge, the limitations of learning, and the superiority of wisdom over tricks reflects the theme of storytelling as a vehicle for deeper truths.

• Nature and Survival

  The detailed description of the morning sky and the group's focus on procuring and sharing food highlight the interplay between natural cycles and human survival.

Characters to notice

• Patsy Mac Cann

  In high spirits after returning the wings, but becomes humiliated and frightened when Caeltia reveals they knew of the theft. He throws away the stolen money and exchanges pipes with Caeltia.

• Caeltia Mac Dea

  Reveals he and Finaun knew about the stolen wings all along. Urges Patsy to discard the money and breaks his own pipe, showing detachment from material possessions.

• Mary Mac Cann

  Awakens early, worries her father has left, but is relieved to find him returned with food. Delays breakfast to give him time to return unnoticed.

• Eileen Ni Cooley

  Walks with Finaun and Mary at the front. Is shocked when Patsy throws away the money and later when Caeltia breaks his pipe, calling them 'wild men.'

• Art

  Ranges behind the group, lilting songs. Caeltia describes him as a musician who has no power but is very strong.

• Finaun Mac Dea

  Announces that the angels will say goodbye that evening. Walks at the front with Eileen and Mary.

Key passages

• ““This evening,” said Finaun, “we will be saying goodbye.” “Aye,” said Mac Cann, “I’m sorry you’re going, for we had a good time together.””

  Finaun announces the angels will leave that evening, and Mac Cann expresses regret, acknowledging their enjoyable time together.

  Sets the stage for the impending departure and the group's mixed emotions.

• ““There is no secrecy in this world or in the others, and there are no tricks: there is Knowledge, but no person can learn more than his head is ready to welcome. That is why robbery is infantile and of no importance.””

  Caeltia explains that true knowledge cannot be hidden or stolen; theft is childish because it cannot access what matters.

  Caeltia's philosophical rebuke to Patsy's earlier theft, emphasizing wisdom over material gain.

• ““The stomach has to be filled,” said Caeltia. “Its filling is a necessity superior to any proprietarial right or disciplinary ethic, and its problem is difficult only for children; it is filled by the air and the wind, the rain and the clay, and the tiny lives that move in the clay.””

  Caeltia argues that the need to eat transcends property rights and ethics, and that nature itself provides for this need.

  Reflects a pragmatic, naturalistic view of survival that challenges conventional morality.

• ““I would like to see the money thrown into this ditch as we go by.””

  Caeltia suggests that Patsy discard the stolen money into the ditch.

  A test of Patsy's willingness to let go of ill-gotten gains and embrace a simpler path.