# Chapter XXVII explained — The Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen

> Chapter companion for The Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen by Rudolph Erich Raspe.

## What happens

The Baron issues a proclamation forbidding the distribution of 'fudge,' sparking an empire-wide frenzy of curiosity. The people, obsessed with the mystery, break into granaries to obtain it, and upon tasting it, they become devoted to the Baron's government. An ode is performed in his honor, and he shares a tender moment with Lady Fragrantia.

## Themes in this chapter

### Satire of Politics and Society

The entire episode of the fudge proclamation parodies political manipulation, public hysteria, and the absurdity of governance.

### Critique of Human Nature

The obsessive curiosity and irrational behavior of the people highlight human folly and susceptibility to suggestion.

### The Marvelous and the Absurd

The nonsensical ode and the surreal obsession with fudge exemplify the absurd and marvelous elements of the narrative.

## Character check-ins

### Baron Munchausen

Issues the proclamation about fudge and later consoles Lady Fragrantia.

### Lady Fragrantia

Drumming on her fan and lost in reverie; the Baron tenderly embraces her.

### Miss Killnariska

Dreams of fudge and recounts a romantic fantasy involving her lover.

### Gog

Mentioned in the ode performed in honor of the Baron.

### Magog

Mentioned in the ode performed in honor of the Baron.

## Key lines

> Finding how much they liked this fudge, I procured another quantity from England, much greater than the former, and cautiously bestowed it over all the kingdom. Thus were the affections of the people regained; and they, from hence, began to venerate, applaud, and admire my government more than ever.

Seeing how much the people enjoyed the fudge, I imported more from England and distributed it carefully, winning back their loyalty and admiration for my rule.

_Highlights the Baron's manipulative use of fudge to regain public favor._

> Upon my honour, and the faith I owe my love, said I, music may be talked of in England, but to possess the very soul of harmony the world should come to the performance of this ode.

I declared that while England may discuss music, true harmony could only be experienced at the performance of this ode.

_Shows the Baron's hyperbolic praise of the ode and his romantic interaction with Fragrantia._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_surprising_adventures_of_baron_munchausen_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_surprising_adventures_of_baron_munchausen_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_surprising_adventures_of_baron_munchausen_se/chapters