# IV: Death and Departure explained — When the World Shook

> Chapter companion for When the World Shook by H. Rider Haggard.

## What happens

Arbuthnot recounts the death of his beloved wife Natalie during childbirth, along with their infant daughter. Her dying words hint at a mysterious reunion beyond conventional heaven. Grief-stricken, he discusses her final words with Bastin, who interprets them as Christian hope, and Bickley, who dismisses all spiritual notions. Unable to bear the memories at Fulcombe, Arbuthnot considers leaving. The chapter ends with Bastin's indignation over a book about South Sea Island missionaries, sparking a debate with Bickley.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mortality and Immortality

Natalie's death and Arbuthnot's struggle with loss; the question of an afterlife is central.

### Clash of Beliefs

Bastin's Christian faith versus Bickley's scientific materialism; differing interpretations of Natalie's final words.

### Love and Sacrifice

Arbuthnot's deep love for Natalie and his grief; her sacrifice in childbirth and her hopeful message.

## Character check-ins

### Humphrey Arbuthnot

Grieves the loss of his wife Natalie and their child; seeks meaning in her dying words; decides to leave Fulcombe.

### Natalie

Dies in childbirth after foretelling a temporary separation and a future reunion; her last words are mysterious and hopeful.

### Mr. Bastin

Offers a conventional Christian interpretation of Natalie's death; later argues about a book critical of missionaries.

### J. R. Bickley

Provides a skeptical, scientific view of death and the afterlife; performs a late operation on Natalie; advises Arbuthnot to take up writing.

### Tommy

The spaniel whimpers sympathetically as Natalie hides her tears.

### Widow Jenkins

Mentioned as a patient for varicose vein surgery by both Bastin and Bickley.

## Key lines

> I think that our companionship is going to be broken for a little while.

Natalie foresees a temporary separation from Arbuthnot through death.

_Foreshadows her death and hints at a reunion._

> Go where you seem called to go, far away. Oh! the wonderful place in which you will find me, not knowing that you have found me.

Natalie urges Arbuthnot to travel and assures him they will meet again unknowingly.

_Sets up Arbuthnot's later journey to the South Seas._

> I put faith in none of these things. I wish that I could, but reason and science both show me that they lack foundation.

Bickley rejects spiritual beliefs, adhering to scientific rationalism.

_Highlights the theme of clashing beliefs._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters/iv-death-and-departure
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/when_the_world_shook_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters