# On the Lightning Loose explained — The Magic City

> Chapter companion for The Magic City by E. Nesbit.

## What happens

Philip and Helen reunite on the magic island, enjoying a week of happiness. When the ark arrives with Lucy and the islanders, Philip decides to give away the island to help them, despite his reluctance. He and Lucy then embark on a voyage aboard the Lightning Loose, which plunges over an underground waterfall into darkness.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Belonging

Philip and Helen's deep bond is reaffirmed, and Philip adopts Lucy as a sister.

### Bravery and Selflessness

Philip gives away the island despite his desire to keep it, and he promises to take care of Lucy during the dangerous voyage.

### Friendship and Cooperation

Philip, Helen, Lucy, and the islanders work together as the island is given away and the voyage begins.

## Character check-ins

### Philip Haldane

Reunites with Helen on the island, enjoys a week with her, and decides to give away the island to the islanders.

### Helen

Arrives on the island through a dream door, spends a week with Philip, and encourages him to be selfless.

### Lucy

Arrives on the ark, meets Helen, and embarks on the Lightning Loose with Philip.

### Noah

Leads the ark's arrival and explains the remaining deeds to Philip.

### Old Perrin

Shouts 'Here we are again!' upon the ark's arrival.

### The Lord High Islander

Looks at Helen with a friendly grin from the ark.

## Key lines

> I just walked out at the other side of a dream

I simply stepped through the other end of a dream.

_Helen explains how she arrived on the island._

> I don't understand about time, and I never shall.

Time is something I'll never comprehend.

_Philip expresses confusion about the nature of time._

> When it's like that, there's one thing you mustn't think of. ... Yourself.

In such situations, you must avoid thinking of yourself.

_Helen advises Philip to be selfless._

> It's all right, Lu. I'll take care of you.

Don't worry, Lucy. I'll protect you.

_Philip reassures Lucy as the yacht plunges over the waterfall._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_magic_city_se/chapters/ix-on-the-lightning-loose
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_magic_city_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_magic_city_se/chapters