Unto This Last · Chapter
Epigraph explained
The epigraph presents two biblical quotations that frame the book's moral argument: the first from the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, emphasizing justice over fairness, and the second from Zechariah, alluding to the valuation and
What happens
The epigraph presents two biblical quotations that frame the book's moral argument: the first from the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, emphasizing justice over fairness, and the second from Zechariah, alluding to the valuation and betrayal of worth.
Themes in this chapter
Justice Over Expediency
The epigraph's first quotation challenges conventional ideas of fairness, asserting a higher standard of justice based on agreement and generosity.
True Nature of Wealth
The second quotation highlights the mispricing of value, foreshadowing the book's critique of how society measures worth.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The voice presenting the epigraph, drawing on scripture to introduce themes of justice and value.
Key passages
“Friend, I do thee no wrong. Did’st not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way. I will give unto this last even as unto thee.”
I have not treated you unfairly; you agreed to a wage and received it. I choose to be generous to others as well.
This paraphrase captures the essence of the parable's lesson on justice and grace.
“If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.”
If you consider it right, pay me what I am worth; if not, do nothing. Yet they valued me at only thirty pieces of silver.
This paraphrase highlights the theme of undervaluation and the failure to recognize true worth.