# XIV: What Ralph Heard of the Matters of the Burg of the Four Friths explained — The Well at the World’s End

> Chapter companion for The Well at the World’s End by William Morris.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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