The Jade God · Chapter
XIII: The Sacrifice explained
Three days after the events, Mrs.
What happens
Three days after the events, Mrs. Millicent and Jean visit Beech Lodge. Derrick destroys the jade god on the hearth, feeling a sharp pang as a splinter pierces his thumb. The Thursbys arrive and discuss Perkins and Martin. Martin has left a note and departed, possibly for the Orient. Derrick arranges for the Millicents to move out and asks for Jean's hand in marriage a month from that day.
Themes in this chapter
Sacrifice and Destruction
Derrick's deliberate smashing of the jade god is a sacrificial act meant to end its malevolent influence, symbolically burning away 'the dross of life.'
The Occult and Supernatural
The jade god is described as an object of fear with a dark history, and its destruction is treated as a ritualistic end to its supernatural power.
Characters to notice
- Mr. John Derrick
Destroys the jade god with a hammer, feels a splinter in his thumb, and later asks for Jean's hand in marriage.
- Jean Millicent
Visits Beech Lodge with her mother, watches the destruction of the jade god, and is asked to marry Derrick.
- Mrs. Millicent
Visits Beech Lodge for the first time in over two years, struggles with memories but appreciates the changes made to the study.
- Edith Derrick
Greets the Millicents, comments on Derrick's improved mood, and helps manage the visit.
- John Martin
Has left Beech Lodge, leaving a note saying he is going back, likely to the Orient, and declining his wages.
Key passages
“Driven with all the strength of his wrist, it fell fair on the malignant head. There was a shivering sound as of tinkling glass, and the jade god dissolved into mottled green fragments.”
Derrick struck the jade god's head with full force, shattering it into green pieces with a sound like breaking glass.
Describes the physical destruction of the idol.
“He felt a sharp pang in his thumb. An emerald splinter quivered there, like a miniature javelin beaded with blood.”
A splinter from the jade god pierced Derrick's thumb, causing a sharp pain and drawing blood.
Highlights the lingering harm from the object even as it is destroyed.
“He swept back the wreckage and dropped the wax model into the smoldering embers. Flame shot up, leaping, sputtering, and hissing.”
Derrick cleared the debris and placed a wax replica into the fire, which erupted into a bright, hissing flame.
Symbolic burning of the idol's duplicate.
“It was in Derrick's mind that in this flame the dross of life was being burned away.”
Derrick felt the fire was purifying the impurities of his life.
Reflects Derrick's sense of catharsis and renewal.
“He just wrote that since there was nothing to keep him here now, he was going back. He didn't say where, but it was probably to the Orient.”
Martin's note said he was leaving because there was no reason to stay, likely returning to the Orient.
Martin's departure and possible destination.
“May I have Jean a month from today?”
Derrick asks Mrs. Millicent for permission to marry Jean in one month.
Derrick's proposal for marriage.