The Innocents Abroad · Chapter
XLII explained
The chapter describes the travelers camping near Temnin-el-Foka (nicknamed 'Jacksonville') in the Valley of Lebanon, their morning routine and breakfast with a panoramic view, the quick striking of tents by Arab servants, and the narrator's
What happens
The chapter describes the travelers camping near Temnin-el-Foka (nicknamed 'Jacksonville') in the Valley of Lebanon, their morning routine and breakfast with a panoramic view, the quick striking of tents by Arab servants, and the narrator's humorous observations about his skittish horse 'Jericho.' The narrative also covers the historical and biblical significance of the region, including the tomb of Noah, the oppression of Syrians under Ottoman taxation, and the biblical conquests of Joshua.
Themes in this chapter
Colonialism and Otherness
The narrator critiques Ottoman tyranny and the suffering of Syrians under a corrupt tax system, highlighting the 'otherness' of the oppressed race.
The Past vs. the Present
Contrasts the biblical grandeur of Joshua's conquests and Noah's ark with the modern-day poverty and oppression in the same landscape.
Satire of Tourism
Humorous description of the horse 'Jericho' and the absurdity of camping with modern conveniences like bootjacks and a bathtub in a biblical setting.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Describes the camp, breakfast, horse 'Jericho,' and reflects on biblical history and Syrian oppression.
- Jack
Referenced as part of the group that simplified the name Temnin-el-Foka to 'Jacksonville'.
- Dan
Implied as part of the group ('the boys') who nicknamed the camp.
- The Doctor
Implied presence as a member of the traveling party.
- Young George
Implied as part of the group.
Key passages
“He wasted thirty-one kings also. One may call it that, though really it can hardly be called wasting them, because there were always plenty of kings in those days, and to spare.”
Joshua destroyed thirty-one kings, but the narrator jokes that this wasn't a waste since kings were abundant back then.
Twain's characteristic humor about biblical history.
“The proof that this is the genuine spot where Noah was buried can only be doubted by uncommonly incredulous people.”
Only extremely skeptical people would question that this is Noah's real burial site.
Sarcastic commentary on the authenticity of holy sites.
“If ever an oppressed race existed, it is this one we see fettered around us under the inhuman tyranny of the Ottoman Empire.”
The Syrian people are among the most oppressed in the world, suffering under Ottoman cruelty.
Critical observation of Ottoman rule.
“He appears to have a mortal dread of telegraph poles, especially; and it is fortunate that these are on both sides of the road, because as it is now, I never fall off twice in succession on the same side.”
The horse is terrified of telegraph poles, but since they line both sides of the road, the narrator falls off alternately, avoiding monotony.
Humorous description of the narrator's skittish horse.