Victory · Chapter
V explained
Heyst reads from his father's book 'Storm and Dust,' reflecting on themes of love, suffering, and nihilism.
What happens
Heyst reads from his father's book 'Storm and Dust,' reflecting on themes of love, suffering, and nihilism. Lena observes him and they discuss the calumny about Morrison. Heyst reassures her, and they embrace before she suddenly breaks away. Later, they return from a walk, and Heyst contemplates the isolation of Samburan.
Themes in this chapter
The Philosophy of Nihilism
Heyst reads his father's book, which contemplates universal nothingness, the cruelty of love as consolation, and the infamy of existence.
Isolation and Detachment
Heyst and Lena are alone on Samburan; Heyst reflects on being 'uprooted' and the silence of the island.
Love and Sacrifice
Lena's devotion to Heyst is evident; Heyst finds consolation in her, but the chapter hints at the fragility of their bond.
Characters to notice
- Axel Heyst
Reads his father's book, reflects on the calumny about Morrison, and reassures Lena of their isolation.
- Lena
Observes Heyst reading, expresses concern, and later breaks away from an embrace, feeling both pride and unease about her new life.
- Wang
Briefly glimpsed vanishing on the verandah; later serves a meal silently.
- Baron Heyst
His portrait hangs in the room; his book 'Storm and Dust' is read by his son, containing reflections on love and nihilism.
- Morrison
Mentioned in the context of the calumny that Heyst supposedly murdered him.
Key passages
“Of the stratagems of life the most cruel is the consolation of love—the most subtle, too; for the desire is the bed of dreams.”
Love is the cruelest trick of life because it offers false comfort, and desire creates illusions.
From Baron Heyst's book, reflecting the theme of love as a deceptive force.
“Men of tormented conscience, or of a criminal imagination, are aware of much that minds of a peaceful, resigned cast do not even suspect.”
Those with guilt or dark thoughts perceive things that calm, accepting people never imagine.
Another excerpt from the elder Heyst's writings, highlighting the depth of human suffering.
“The so-called wickedness must be, like the so-called virtue, its own reward—to be anything at all”
Both wickedness and virtue are meaningless unless they are their own justification.
Continues the nihilistic philosophy of Baron Heyst.
“I find it easier to believe in the misfortune of mankind than in its wickedness.”
I am more inclined to think people are unfortunate than evil.
The final line of the book Heyst reads, suggesting a compassionate view of human suffering.
“There's that in you, Lena, which can console me for worse things, for uglier passages.”
You have something in you that comforts me even for the worst and ugliest experiences.
Heyst's reassurance to Lena, showing his reliance on her for emotional solace.