# VII: The Orofenans explained — When the World Shook

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters/vii-the-orofenans
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/when_the_world_shook_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters