# III explained — The Jewels of Aptor

> Chapter companion for The Jewels of Aptor by Samuel R. Delany.

## What happens

Geo and Urson interrupt Argo interrogating Snake, whom she accuses of being a spy for Aptor. Geo defends Snake, suspecting Argo's motives are corrupted by desire for power. Later, Urson shares a traumatic story about killing a dying man for three gold coins, which he still carries. The chapter ends with the ship preparing to sail.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Corruption

Geo explicitly quotes 'Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely' in reference to Argo's motives.

### Memory and Trauma

Urson's story of killing a dying man and his inability to spend the gold coins illustrates lasting trauma.

### Duality and Ambiguity

The uncertainty of Snake's allegiance and the blurred lines between good and evil are central to the chapter.

## Character check-ins

### Geo

Defends Snake against Argo's accusations, suspects Argo's corruption, and listens to Urson's story.

### Urson

Accompanies Geo to rescue Snake, shares a dark story about killing a dying man for gold coins.

### Snake

Accused by Argo of being a spy for Aptor, but Geo believes he is innocent.

### Priestess Argo

Interrogates Snake, accuses him of spying, and is portrayed as power-hungry by Geo.

### Jordde

First mate who interrupts the confrontation, showing suspicion toward Snake.

### the captain

Mentioned as ordering the ship to sail before dawn.

## Key lines

> Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Geo suggests that Argo's desire for power may be corrupting her intentions.

_Geo's suspicion of Argo's motives._

> I took my pay up. Later I ate the bread and drank the rest of the water. Then I went to sleep. They took him away without question.

Urson describes killing a wounded man for three gold coins and then using the food and water to survive.

_Urson's traumatic memory of a past event._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jewels_of_aptor_se/chapters/iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jewels_of_aptor_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_jewels_of_aptor_se/chapters