The Innocents Abroad · Chapter
XL explained
The travelers journey to ancient Ephesus by train and donkey, enduring a chaotic ride through the desert.
What happens
The travelers journey to ancient Ephesus by train and donkey, enduring a chaotic ride through the desert. They explore the ruins, including the theater and prison of St. Paul, and hear the legend of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus.
Themes in this chapter
The Past vs. the Present
The contrast between the ancient grandeur of Ephesus and its current desolate state, highlighted by the ruins and the legend of the Seven Sleepers.
Satire of Tourism
The absurd and comical donkey ride, the discomfort of the travelers, and the humorous description of their appearance among the ruins.
Travel as Education
The narrator's reflections on the historical and legendary significance of Ephesus, blending learning with personal experience.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Describes the journey to Ephesus, the donkey ride, and the legend of the Seven Sleepers.
- Jack
Mentioned in the legend as one of the Seven Sleepers (Jack).
- Dan
Mentioned in the legend as one of the Seven Sleepers (Dan).
Key passages
“The little donkeys had saddles upon them which were made very high in order that the rider's feet might not drag the ground. The preventative did not work well in the cases of our tallest pilgrims, however.”
The donkeys' high saddles were meant to keep riders' feet off the ground, but they failed for the tallest travelers.
Illustrates the impracticality and humor of the donkey saddles.
“We all stood in the vast theatre of ancient Ephesus—the stone-benched amphitheatre I mean—and had our picture taken. We looked as proper there as we would look anywhere, I suppose.”
The group posed for a photo in the ancient theater of Ephesus, looking as out of place as ever.
Highlights the contrast between modern tourists and ancient ruins.
“Such is the story of the Seven Sleepers, (with slight variations), and I know it is true, because I have seen the cave myself.”
The narrator claims the legend of the Seven Sleepers is true because he visited the cave.
A humorous assertion of authenticity based on personal experience.