When the World Shook · Chapter
VIII: Bastin Attempts the Martyr's Crown explained
Bastin, frustrated by the idol of Oro blocking his missionary work, secretly plans to destroy it.
What happens
Bastin, frustrated by the idol of Oro blocking his missionary work, secretly plans to destroy it. He acquires paraffin under a pretext and, early in the morning, sets fire to the idol in the Grove. The act enrages the native priests and leads to a chase, but the survivors escape by canoe. Meanwhile, Arbuthnot discovers a mysterious carved stone and a marble hand in a pit, hinting at a lost civilization, and later explores the lake where he finds a boathouse and canoes, but is warned by Marama of danger.
Themes in this chapter
Clash of Beliefs
Bastin's burning of the idol represents a direct confrontation between Christianity and native religion, highlighting the violent clash of belief systems.
Civilization and Barbarism
The discovery of elegant carved stone and marble hand suggests a lost high civilization, contrasting with the 'savage' practices of the islanders.
The Search for Meaning
Arbuthnot's obsession with the mysterious ruins and his astronomical observations reflect a quest for understanding the island's origins and his own place in the world.
Characters to notice
- Humphrey Arbuthnot
Discovers the carved stone and marble hand, explores the lake, and is warned by Marama.
- Mr. Bastin
Plans and executes the burning of the idol of Oro, preaching to the natives afterward.
- J. R. Bickley
Sarcastically comments on Bastin's actions and nearly upsets the canoe in anger.
- Marama
Warns Arbuthnot about the danger of the lake and the sacred island.
- Tommy
Accompanies the group in the canoe.
Key passages
“The martyr’s crown was hanging above me, so to speak, and now it has vanished into the pit, like that man whom Bickley murdered.”
Bastin laments that his chance for martyrdom has been lost, comparing it to the death of the priest killed by Bickley.
Bastin's desire for martyrdom is a recurring theme, here expressed with dark humor.
“I know it is scorched, but they might trim it up and stick it on to a new body as the original false god. Now they can’t, for there’s nothing left.”
Bastin picks up the scorched head of the idol, claiming that now the natives cannot restore their false god.
Bastin's literal-mindedness and triumph in destroying the idol are evident.
“Don’t you think we had better go back? Evidently my words have touched them and their minds are melting beneath the light of Truth.”
Bastin naively believes the natives are converting after his sermon, despite their hostile actions.
Highlights Bastin's obliviousness to the real danger and his unwavering faith.