The Well at the World’s End · Chapter
XIV: What Ralph Heard of the Matters of the Burg of the Four Friths explained
Ralph observes two mysterious men in the hall, one of whom he recognizes from Higham.
What happens
Ralph observes two mysterious men in the hall, one of whom he recognizes from Higham. Roger acts suspiciously. Townsmen join them for supper, and Ralph learns about the Burg's policies: they enslave women of the Wheat-wearers but slay all men, and tolerate the Dry Tree as sport. A burgher warns Ralph against asking too many questions. Roger pledges to follow Ralph, who decides to leave the Burg.
Themes in this chapter
Social Hierarchy and Freedom
The Burg's treatment of the Wheat-wearers—enslaving women and slaying men—illustrates a rigid social hierarchy and the denial of freedom to conquered peoples.
Power and Tyranny
The Burg's rulers enforce harsh policies and view the Dry Tree as sport, demonstrating a tyrannical use of power and a joyless, militaristic society.
Home and Wandering
Ralph feels out of place in the Burg and decides to leave, preferring the freedom of the greenwood over the Burg's churlish service.
Characters to notice
- Ralph of Upmeads
Ralph observes the mysterious men, questions the townsmen about the Burg's customs, and decides to leave after being warned.
- Roger
Roger acts suspiciously, speaks loudly to cover the strangers' presence, and later pledges to follow Ralph.
- Richard the Red
Not present in this chapter.
- The Lady of Abundance
Not present in this chapter.
Key passages
“the slaying of a Wheat-wearer is to us a lighter matter than the smiting of a rabbit or a fowmart”
Killing a Wheat-wearer has become so routine that it feels less significant than killing a rabbit or a polecat.
The burgher explains how deeply ingrained the hatred of the Wheat-wearers has become in their culture.
“I would verily be thy servant, to follow thee whithersoever thou goest; for I think that great deeds will come of thee.”
I truly want to be your servant and follow you wherever you go, because I believe you will accomplish great things.
Roger pledges his loyalty to Ralph, expressing faith in his future adventures.