Theodore Savage · Chapter
II explained
Theodore Savage attends a gathering where a political debate unfolds about the likelihood of war.
What happens
Theodore Savage attends a gathering where a political debate unfolds about the likelihood of war. Markham argues that war is inevitable due to the herd instinct of humanity and the need for periodic destruction, while Holt insists modern warfare is unthinkable. Theodore is briefly disturbed by Markham's realism but soon returns to his private world of courtship with Phillida Rathbone, culminating in their engagement.
Themes in this chapter
Human Nature and Brutality
Markham's argument that humanity's herd instinct drives periodic destruction and war, regardless of rational considerations, highlights the theme of inherent brutality.
Technology as Destruction
Holt and Markham discuss how modern science and chemistry make war potentially catastrophic, yet human irrationality may still lead to conflict.
The Cycle of History
Markham's reference to 'periodic bloodletting' and the inevitability of war suggests a cyclical view of history repeating itself.
Characters to notice
- Theodore Savage
Theodore is present at the gathering, initially absorbed in his own thoughts but briefly shaken by Markham's predictions. He later reflects on his courtship with Phillida and finally proposes.
- Markham
Markham delivers a cynical analysis of human nature and politics, arguing that war is a periodic necessity driven by the herd instinct, and that politicians are instruments of mass emotion.
- Vallance
Vallance participates in the debate, questioning Markham's assertions and commenting on the Karthanian crisis, suggesting it may fizzle out like previous scares.
- Holt
Holt argues forcefully that war is impossible due to modern destructive technology, dismissing Markham's views as reactionary and insisting that politicians will not dare to start a war.
- Phillida Rathbone
Phillida is the object of Theodore's courtship; she enjoys the game of delay and ultimately accepts his proposal when he offers her a print and himself.
Key passages
“Man in the mass, as a crowd, can only feel; there is no such thing as a mass-mind or intellect—only mass desires and emotions.”
Crowds operate on emotion, not reason; collective intelligence does not exist, only collective impulses.
Markham's core argument about the irrationality of the herd.
“If you'd take all I have—and me with it,”
Theodore offers himself along with the gift, effectively proposing marriage.
The moment of Theodore's avowal to Phillida.