# The Burying Alive of Nais explained — The Lost Continent

> Chapter companion for The Lost Continent by C. J. Cutcliffe Hyne.

## What happens

Phorenice's edict to bury Nais alive is carried out with brutal efficiency. Deucalion is forced to participate in the construction of a granite throne and the subsequent ceremony where he marries Phorenice and then entombs Nais beneath the throne-stone as a public spectacle.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Tyranny

Phorenice's edict is carried out instantly and without mercy, showcasing her absolute control over life and death.

### Love and Sacrifice

Deucalion's hidden love for Nais and his forced participation in her entombment highlight the theme of sacrifice for a greater cause.

### Gender and Authority

Phorenice, as a female ruler, exercises supreme authority, while Nais's defiance and Deucalion's subordination reflect complex gender dynamics.

## Character check-ins

### Phorenice

The Empress who decrees Nais's burial and marries Deucalion, displaying both cruelty and passion.

### Nais

The victim condemned to be buried alive; she refuses Phorenice's offer of pardon and remains stoic.

### Deucalion

Forced to marry Phorenice and personally entomb Nais, struggling with his duty and his love for Nais.

### Zaemon

Mentioned as having commanded Deucalion to play his part for Atlantis' good.

## Key lines

> There is no denying that the wishes of Phorenice were carried into quick effect in the city of Atlantis.

Phorenice's commands were executed without delay throughout Atlantis.

_Highlights the immediate and unquestioning obedience to the Empress._

> I could not lie to her any more just then. The Gods know how honestly I had striven to play the part commanded me for Atlantis’ good, but there is a limit to human endurance, and mine was reached.

Deucalion could no longer pretend affection for Phorenice, having reached his breaking point despite his efforts to serve Atlantis.

_Reveals Deucalion's internal conflict and the strain of his duty._

> I, who had never embraced a woman with aught but the arm of roughness before, now held pressed to me one whom I loved with an infinite tenderness, and the revelation of how love can come out and link with love was almost my undoing.

Deucalion, who had only known physical force with women, now held Nais with deep love, and the emotional impact nearly overwhelmed him.

_Emphasizes the contrast between his brutal public role and his private love for Nais._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lost_continent_se/chapters/xiii-the-burying-alive-of-nais
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lost_continent_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lost_continent_se/chapters