# XI: Resurrection explained — When the World Shook

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters/xi-resurrection
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/when_the_world_shook_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters