Theodore Savage · Chapter
IV explained
Theodore and Markham discuss the inevitability of war and the dangers of technological progress as the crowd awaits midnight.
What happens
Theodore and Markham discuss the inevitability of war and the dangers of technological progress as the crowd awaits midnight. Theodore is separated from Phillida in the crowd and visits Markham, who reflects on the failure to foresee the destructive consequences of scientific advancement. The chapter ends with the chime of Big Ben marking the hour.
Themes in this chapter
Technology as Destruction
Markham argues that scientific progress, when combined with human emotion and war, leads to destruction, citing Lavoisier and the failure to foresee consequences.
Human Nature and Brutality
Markham asserts that communities are inherently self-interested and incapable of love for other communities, leading to inevitable conflict.
Knowledge and Ignorance
Theodore and Markham discuss the failure to understand the influence of technology on humanity, and the ignorance of latent possibilities.
Characters to notice
- Theodore Savage
Reflects on the chime and his childhood; separated from Phillida in the crowd; visits Markham and discusses war and science.
- Markham
Argues that science and war cannot coexist; laments the failure to foresee technology's destructive potential; has been taken over by military for chemical research.
- Phillida Rathbone
Separated from Theodore in the crowd; last seen with the Rathbone boy.
- Holt
Referenced by Theodore and Markham for his earlier declaration that the night would be impossible.
- Vallance
Referenced as the host of the evening where Holt and Markham spoke.
Key passages
“Lord—through—this—hour Be—Thou—our—guide, So—by—Thy—power No—foot—shall—slide.”
The chime of Big Ben, which Theodore recalls from childhood, serves as a prayer for guidance and safety.
The chime recurs throughout the chapter, marking the passage of time and the onset of war.
“You can't combine the practice of science and the art of war; in the end, it's one or the other.”
Markham argues that science and war are fundamentally incompatible, and humanity will have to choose between them.
This reflects the theme of technology as destruction and the failure to foresee consequences.