When the World Shook · Chapter
XI: Resurrection explained
The survivors open the crystal coffins in the underground tomb, discovering that Oro and Yva are not dead but in a state of suspended animation.
What happens
The survivors open the crystal coffins in the underground tomb, discovering that Oro and Yva are not dead but in a state of suspended animation. Bickley injects a stimulant into Oro, who begins to stir. Yva awakens and immediately shows affection toward Arbuthnot, while Oro debates whether to destroy the intruders. Tommy the spaniel inadvertently influences Oro's decision by laying a flower bough at his feet, interpreted as an omen. Oro spares their lives and admits them to his fellowship. The chapter ends with Oro and Yva returning to rest in the cave.
Themes in this chapter
Mortality and Immortality
The resurrection of Oro and Yva challenges conventional understandings of death, as they are revived after an unknown but vast period of suspended animation.
Clash of Beliefs
Bastin's insistence on confronting Oro as a 'liar' for claiming divinity contrasts with Bickley's pragmatic scientific approach, highlighting the tension between faith and reason.
Love and Sacrifice
Yva's immediate affection for Arbuthnot upon awakening and her willingness to protect the survivors against Oro's wrath suggest a deep, instinctual bond and sacrificial love.
Characters to notice
- Humphrey Arbuthnot
Narrates the resurrection; assists in opening the coffins; is embraced by Yva upon her awakening.
- Mr. Bastin
Argues with Bickley about theology; mutters about Yva's libation being a heathen offering; breaks the tension with a blunt remark about Arbuthnot and Yva.
- J. R. Bickley
Leads the scientific examination; injects Oro with a stimulant; administers sal volatile and a milk-meat essence mixture to Yva; uses a thermometer to measure the coffin's temperature.
- Oro
Resurrected from the coffin; debates whether to destroy the survivors; accepts the flower bough from Tommy as an omen; spares their lives; drinks water after a libation ritual.
- Yva
Awakens and embraces Arbuthnot; makes a libation offering to Oro; argues with Oro to spare the survivors; speaks in archaic Orofenan; strokes Tommy.
- Tommy
Growls on top of Yva's coffin; frisks around when the party arrives; lays a flower bough at Oro's feet, influencing his decision; sits on Yva's knee and is stroked.
Key passages
“For Heaven’s sake! keep your theology to yourself at present. If you upset the old fellow and put him in a temper he may die.”
Bickley urges Bastin to refrain from theological arguments to avoid provoking Oro.
Highlights the immediate danger and Bickley's pragmatic caution.
“Well, I never! you seem to have woke them up with a vengeance. If you begin like that with the lady, there will be complications before you have done, Arbuthnot.”
Bastin comments sarcastically on Yva's embrace of Arbuthnot, predicting future romantic entanglements.
Breaks the tension and foreshadows the developing relationship.
“We go to rest. You must not follow. We come back perhaps tonight, perhaps next night. We are quite safe. You are quite safe under the beard of Oro. Spirit of Oro watch you.”
Yva tells Arbuthnot that she and Oro will rest and that the survivors are protected by Oro's authority.
Demonstrates Yva's role as intermediary and the establishment of a fragile truce.