When the World Shook · Chapter
VII: The Orofenans explained
The survivors establish relations with the native Orofenans, led by Chief Marama.
What happens
The survivors establish relations with the native Orofenans, led by Chief Marama. Bickley successfully removes a tumor from Marama's neck, earning the title 'Great Priest' and securing the group's safety. They move into a house built for them, and Bastin begins missionary work, teaching and preaching, but faces theological clashes with the natives' worship of the god Oro. The chapter also describes the island's geography, resources, and customs, including cannibalism and infanticide.
Themes in this chapter
Clash of Beliefs
Bastin's missionary efforts conflict with the native worship of Oro, leading to theological debates and growing jealousy from native priests.
Civilization and Barbarism
The chapter contrasts European medical and religious practices with native customs such as cannibalism, infanticide, and sacrifice.
Characters to notice
- Humphrey Arbuthnot
Narrates the chapter, assists Bickley in the operation, and gathers information about Orofena.
- Mr. Bastin
Retires during the idol ceremony, later begins missionary work, teaching and preaching, but causes tension with native priests.
- J. R. Bickley
Performs the successful operation on Marama, gains the title 'Great Priest', and treats patients including a man bitten by Tommy.
- Marama
Chief of the Orofenans, undergoes surgery to remove a tumor, becomes devoted to the group.
- Tommy
Bites a native who later dies; his reputation as a supernatural guardian is enhanced.
- Oro
The native god, said to dwell on the mountain in the lake; Bastin adapts his teachings to incorporate Oro.
Key passages
“We asked whether he would consider it right to sacrifice us. He replied: Certainly, unless we were too strong, being gods ourselves, or unless an arrangement could be concluded.”
When asked if they would be sacrificed, the chief said yes, unless they proved to be gods or a deal was made.
Highlights the natives' sacrificial customs and the precarious position of the newcomers.
“Bastin had retired as soon as he saw that false god appear, of which I was glad, since I felt sure that he would make a scene.”
Bastin left when the idol was brought aboard, and the narrator was relieved because he expected Bastin to cause trouble.
Shows Bastin's intolerance and the narrator's awareness of potential conflict.
“They listened; to a certain extent they understood; they argued and put to poor Bastin the most awful questions such as the whole Bench of Bishops could not have answered.”
The natives listened and understood partially, but asked Bastin extremely difficult theological questions.
Illustrates the intellectual challenge Bastin faces in his missionary work.