The Lost Continent · Chapter
VII: The Biters of the Walls (Further Account) explained
Deucalion and Nais engage in a philosophical debate about tyranny, authority, and freedom.
What happens
Deucalion and Nais engage in a philosophical debate about tyranny, authority, and freedom. Nais accuses Deucalion of being a tyrant by virtue of his strength, and reveals that Phorenice seeks to marry him. Nais, once high in Phorenice's favor, now leads a rebel siege against the city, advocating for a rule of no-rule. Deucalion counters that order and leadership are necessary for civilization, citing his observations of savage Europe. The chapter ends with an earthquake, Deucalion's imprisonment in a desecrated temple, and a brutal rebel attack on the gate, during which prisoners are subjected to horrific torture via a war engine.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Tyranny
Nais accuses Deucalion of being a tyrant due to his strength, and criticizes Phorenice's oppressive rule; Deucalion argues that strong leadership is necessary to prevent savagery.
Rebellion and Revolution
Nais leads a rebel siege against the city, advocating for a rule of no-rule; the rebels are depicted as a disorderly mob, highlighting the chaos of revolution.
Tradition vs. Change
Nais rejects both Phorenice's tyranny and Zaemon's old authority, seeking a new order; Deucalion warns that abandoning structure leads to barbarism.
Characters to notice
- Deucalion
Engages in debate with Nais about tyranny and authority; argues for the necessity of leadership and order; is imprisoned after an earthquake.
- Nais
Accuses Deucalion of tyranny; reveals Phorenice's plan to marry Deucalion; leads the rebel siege; advocates for anarchic freedom.
- Phorenice
Mentioned as seeking to marry Deucalion; described as a tyrant by Nais; her rule is criticized as oppressive.
- Ylga
Mentioned as Nais's twin sister and current fan-girl to the Empress Phorenice.
- Zaemon
Mentioned as Nais's relative who fights to restore authority to the Sacred Mountain, but Nais views this as another form of slavery.
- The Captain of the Gate
His head is brought back as plunder by the rebels after the attack on the gate.
Key passages
“You are a tyrant.”
Nais directly accuses Deucalion of being a tyrant.
This accusation is the central conflict of their debate.
“I came back because I was sent for. The Empress gives no reasons for her recalls. She states her will; and we who serve her obey without question.”
Deucalion explains that he returned from Yucatan solely because Phorenice ordered it, without question.
Highlights Deucalion's loyalty and the absolute authority of the Empress.
“Phorenice has tired of her unmated life.”
Nais reveals that Phorenice is seeking a husband.
Sets up the political marriage plot involving Deucalion.
“I am one that has a compassion for my fellow-men, my lord, and because of that compassion you see me what I am today.”
Nais claims her current state as a rebel leader stems from her compassion for the oppressed people.
Explains Nais's motivation for rebellion.
“A creed of desperation, if you like, Nais, but, believe me, a silly creed. Since man was born out of the quakings and the fevers of this earth, and picked his way amongst the cooler-places, he has been dependent always on his fellow-men. And where two are congregated together, one must be chief, and order how matters are to be governed.”
Deucalion argues that human society inherently requires leadership and order, dismissing Nais's anarchic ideals as foolish.
Deucalion's counter-argument to Nais's philosophy of no-rule.
