Victory · Chapter
VI explained
Davidson recounts to the narrator his encounter with Heyst on Samburan, where Heyst signals him from the wharf to return Mrs.
What happens
Davidson recounts to the narrator his encounter with Heyst on Samburan, where Heyst signals him from the wharf to return Mrs. Schomberg's shawl. Heyst speaks enigmatically about action being harmful and the world being evil, while Davidson learns of the girl (Lena) and the persecution by Schomberg that led to her rescue.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Detachment
Heyst's retreat to Samburan and his philosophical renunciation of action reflect deep isolation.
Evil and Predation
Heyst describes the world as a 'bad dog' and Schomberg as an 'unconscionable ruffian,' highlighting predatory forces.
Love and Sacrifice
Heyst's rescue of Lena from persecution and his concern for Mrs. Schomberg's safety demonstrate sacrificial love.
Characters to notice
- Davidson
Narrates his meeting with Heyst; he is delicate, humane, and regular in his steamer visits.
- Axel Heyst
Signals Davidson from the wharf; speaks philosophically about action and the world; returns Mrs. Schomberg's shawl.
- Lena
Referenced as the girl Heyst carried off; her presence is inferred as the cause of Heyst's unusual talk.
- Schomberg
Described as an unconscionable ruffian; his persecution of Lena prompted Heyst's intervention.
- Mrs. Zangiacomo
Mentioned as Mrs. Schomberg; she helped Heyst and Lena and is terrified of her husband.
Key passages
“I took this course of signalling to you because to preserve appearances might be of the utmost importance. Not to me, of course. I don't care what people may say, and of course no one can hurt me.”
Heyst explains that he signaled Davidson to maintain appearances, though he personally is indifferent to public opinion.
Heyst's motivation for contacting Davidson is to protect Mrs. Schomberg, not himself.
“The world is a bad dog. It will bite you if you give it a chance; but I think that here we can safely defy the fates.”
Heyst compares the world to a dangerous dog, yet believes he and Lena can defy fate on Samburan.
Heyst's paradoxical optimism despite his nihilistic views.
“Funny notion of defying the fates—to take a woman in tow!”
Davidson finds it ironic that Heyst thinks he can defy fate by taking on the responsibility of a woman.
Davidson's skeptical reaction to Heyst's philosophical stance.