When the World Shook · Chapter
XIII: Oro Speaks and Bastin Argues explained
Oro and Yva depart after demonstrating his stellar calculations, leaving the three men to prepare themselves for further discussion.
What happens
Oro and Yva depart after demonstrating his stellar calculations, leaving the three men to prepare themselves for further discussion. When they return, Oro reveals that he once ruled the world and destroyed it with a deluge 250,000 years ago, then put himself and his daughter to sleep. Bastin engages in a theological argument, comparing Oro's account to the biblical story of Noah. Bickley remains skeptical, while Arbuthnot is captivated by Yva's beauty and youth.
Themes in this chapter
Clash of Beliefs
Bastin and Oro engage in a direct theological confrontation, with Bastin asserting Christian doctrine against Oro's account of divine agency and destruction.
Mortality and Immortality
Oro's claim of extreme age and suspended animation challenges conventional human lifespans, while Yva's youth despite her age raises questions about time and mortality.
Power and Corruption
Oro's admission that he destroyed the world because it was 'evil' and disobeyed him suggests a corrupting use of absolute power.
Characters to notice
- Humphrey Arbuthnot
Narrates the chapter, questions Oro and Yva about their origins, and is struck by Yva's beauty.
- Mr. Bastin
Argues with Oro about theology, comparing Oro's deluge to Noah's flood, and is horrified at the idea of being mistaken for a priest of Baal.
- J. R. Bickley
Skeptical of Oro's claims, suggests Bastin looks like a priest of Baal, and later dismisses Oro as a 'Prince of Liars'.
- Oro
Reveals he ruled and destroyed the ancient world with a deluge, then slept for 250,000 years; engages in theological debate with Bastin.
- Yva
Whispers to Bastin that she hopes to learn about his religion; later speaks with Arbuthnot about her age and youth.
- Tommy
Sits contentedly on the hem of Yva's robe during the conversation.
Key passages
“I am a king who once ruled most of the world as it was in my day, though it is true that much of it rebelled against me, my councillors and servants. Therefore I destroyed the world as it was then, save only certain portions whence life might spread to the new countries that I raised up.”
Oro claims he was a global ruler who annihilated his rebellious world, preserving only areas for future civilizations.
Oro's self-justification for genocide sets up the central conflict of his god-like ambition.
“There must be a mistake somewhere, or perhaps I misunderstand you. It is obvious that you, being a man, could not have destroyed the world. That could only be done by the Power which made it and you.”
Bastin challenges Oro's claim, asserting that only God, not a human, could destroy the world.
Bastin's theological objection highlights the clash between Oro's self-perception and Christian doctrine.
“I did not know Noah... Perhaps he lived after my time and caused some other local deluge.”
Oro dismisses the biblical Noah as a later figure responsible for a minor flood.
Oro's casual dismissal of biblical history underscores his arrogance and the theme of competing narratives.