XV: Oro in His House explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Clash of Beliefs

  Oro challenges Bickley's scientific skepticism and expresses willingness to learn from Bastin's Christian faith, highlighting the conflict between reason and faith.

• Mortality and Immortality

  Oro admits he must die despite his age and wisdom, and seeks knowledge of eternal life from Bastin's religion.

• Power and Corruption

  Oro describes how the Sons of Wisdom perished due to their isolation and inability to bear children, and hints at his ability to destroy the world again.

Characters to notice

• Humphrey Arbuthnot

  Narrates the chapter, observes Oro's anger and the statue of Fate, and feels frustrated with Bickley's disbelief.

• Mr. Bastin

  Eagerly offers to teach Oro about Christianity, remains covered before the statue of Fate, and questions Yva about her god.

• J. R. Bickley

  Argues with Oro about the impossibility of miracles, dismisses Oro's claims as illusions, and is rebuked by Oro for his skepticism.

• Oro

  Speaks with icy rage at Bickley's disbelief, explains the history of Nyo and the destruction of his enemies, and expresses interest in learning about Bastin's faith.

• Yva

  Kneels in prayer before the statue of Fate, offers to show a vision of her people's history, and responds to Bastin's comments about her god.

Key passages

• “Yes, with all this around him, he who saw us rise from the coffins, still mocks at us in his heart. Therefore let him, this little man of a little day, when his few years are done go to the tomb in ignorance, and his companions with him, they who might have been as wise as I am.”

  Oro angrily condemns Bickley for doubting the wonders he has witnessed, declaring that Bickley will die ignorant along with his friends.

  Oro's frustration with Bickley's skepticism is central to the chapter's conflict.

• “I who am so wise and old, yet must die; though that time may be far away, still I must die, for such is the lot of man born of woman. And I do not desire to die. Therefore I shall rejoice to learn of any faith that promises to the children of earth a life eternal beyond the earth.”

  Oro admits his own mortality and expresses a desire to learn about Bastin's religion because it offers eternal life.

  Oro's vulnerability and search for meaning are revealed here.

• “The Water of Life may prolong life, but it cannot make women bear children. That they will only do beneath the blue of heaven, not deep in the belly of the world where Nature never designed that they should dwell.”

  Oro explains that despite their advanced knowledge, the Sons of Wisdom could not reproduce underground, leading to their extinction.

  This highlights the theme of civilization's decline due to unnatural conditions.