# XIV: The Husband explained — The Pilgrim Kamanita

> Chapter companion for The Pilgrim Kamanita by Karl Gjellerup.

## What happens

Kamanita recounts the turmoil of his domestic life after taking a second wife to bear him a son, as urged by his father. He describes the elaborate and stressful wedding ceremonies, the constant conflict between his two wives, and the proverbial reputation his household gained in Ujjeni for discord.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Detachment

Kamanita's domestic life becomes a source of constant suffering and conflict, leading him to vow never to marry again, illustrating the theme of detachment from worldly attachments.

### Illusion and Reality

Kamanita's initial belief that a second wife would bring harmony is shattered by the reality of jealousy and strife, highlighting the deceptive nature of worldly expectations.

## Character check-ins

### Kamanita

Narrates his experience of a second marriage arranged by his father, the ensuing household strife, and his vow never to marry again.

### Vasitthi

Mentioned as Kamanita's first wife, who becomes embroiled in bitter rivalry with the second wife.

### Ujjeni

The city where Kamanita's household became notorious for the discord between his wives.

## Key lines

> My first wife had always seemed to possess a gentle character, which, if anything, rather leaned to the side of dullness than to that of irritable passion; and my second wife had always been praised for her true womanly softness.

Kamanita reflects that both his wives initially appeared gentle and mild, but their true natures emerged only after they were brought together.

_Highlights the deceptive nature of appearances and the unforeseen consequences of polygamy._

> And from that unhappy day onward there was the noise of hissing in my home.

From the moment the second wife bore a son, constant conflict and bitter arguments filled Kamanita's house.

_Metaphor for the incessant quarrels that destroyed domestic peace._

> It also became, I am sorry to confess, a proverbial saying in Ujjeni now: 'The two agree like Kamanita's wives!'

The discord between his wives became so famous that it turned into a local proverb, meaning two people who never agree.

_Illustrates the public shame and lasting reputation of Kamanita's household._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_pilgrim_kamanita_se/chapters/xiv-the-husband
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_pilgrim_kamanita_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_pilgrim_kamanita_se/chapters