# And This Is the Story of Bhanavar the Beautiful explained — The Shaving of Shagpat

> Chapter companion for The Shaving of Shagpat by George Meredith.

## What happens

This chapter tells the tale of Bhanavar the Beautiful, a damsel betrothed to a comely youth. One night by a lake, they witness a mysterious light that is revealed to be a Jewel in the head of the Serpent of the Lake. Consumed by desire for the Jewel, Bhanavar persuades her betrothed to obtain it for her, despite his warnings of doom. He agrees, and they part. Later, Bhanavar is captured by mountain warriors and taken by ship, separated from her beloved Ruark.

## Themes in this chapter

### Illusion vs. Reality

Bhanavar is captivated by the dazzling light of the Jewel, mistaking its allure for true value, while ignoring the real danger and the love of her betrothed.

### Love and Sacrifice

Ruark sacrifices his own life and happiness to fulfill Bhanavar's desire for the Jewel, demonstrating the destructive power of love when tested.

### Deception and Guile

Bhanavar uses her beauty and charm to manipulate Ruark into obtaining the Jewel, deceiving him about her true priorities.

## Character check-ins

### Bhanavar the Beautiful

The beautiful damsel who becomes obsessed with the Serpent's Jewel, leading her to urge her betrothed to retrieve it despite his warnings.

### Ruark

The youth betrothed to Bhanavar, who reluctantly agrees to obtain the Jewel for her, foreseeing his own doom.

### Rukrooth

Mentioned as the mother of the Desert-Chief, whose will leads to Bhanavar's capture by mountain warriors.

## Key lines

> Desire for the Jewel waxed in her, and she had no sight but for it alone, crying, 'Tis a Jewel exceeding in preciousness all jewels that are, and for the possessing it would I forfeit all that is.'

Bhanavar's craving for the Jewel grew so strong that she could see nothing else, declaring it more valuable than any other jewel and that she would give up everything to own it.

_Highlights Bhanavar's overwhelming obsession with the Jewel, which overrides her love and reason._

> Then said he, 'Thou hast willed it, O Bhanavar! and my life is as a grain of sand weighed against thy wishes; Allah is my witness!'

Ruark acknowledged that Bhanavar's desires outweighed his own life, swearing by Allah that he would fulfill her wish.

_Shows Ruark's resignation and the depth of his sacrifice for Bhanavar's sake._

## Links

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