# XVIII: The Accident explained — When the World Shook

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

## What happens

Arbuthnot awakens after ten weeks of illness to find Yva at his bedside, speaking English. She recounts how Bickley operated on his head wound and how she pleaded with Oro to save his life when fever threatened it, striking a bargain that she would never leave Oro. The chapter also explores the social structure of the Sons of Wisdom, their disdain for flesh-eating, and Yva's rapid learning of the alphabet.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Yva sacrifices her freedom by swearing never to leave Oro in order to save Arbuthnot's life.

### Power and Corruption

Oro's jealousy and willingness to let Arbuthnot die illustrate the corrupting influence of his immense power.

### Civilization and Barbarism

The Sons of Wisdom's vegetarianism, advanced knowledge, and disdain for flesh-eating 'Barbarians' highlight the theme of civilized versus barbaric practices.

## Character check-ins

### Humphrey Arbuthnot

Awakens after ten weeks of illness, learns of his operation and Yva's intervention, and discusses the nature of the Sons of Wisdom.

### Yva

Nurses Arbuthnot, learns English from Bastin and Bickley, bargains with Oro for Arbuthnot's life, and explains the caste system of her people.

### Oro

Reluctantly heals Arbuthnot after Yva swears never to leave him; is jealous of Arbuthnot's influence over Yva.

### J. R. Bickley

Performs the operation on Arbuthnot's head and later teaches Yva; is a vegetarian in theory.

### Mr. Bastin

Teaches Yva English and prays for Arbuthnot; returns dishevelled and without his native Bible.

### Tommy

Accompanies Yva when she leaves, showing unusual attachment to her.

## Key lines

> “Forgive me, Humphrey, because I here; others gone out walking,” she said slowly in English.

Yva apologizes for being alone with Arbuthnot, explaining that the others have gone for a walk.

_Yva has learned English during Arbuthnot's illness._

> “I rose to my feet and answered, ‘I do not know, my Father, yet I am certain that for your own sake it will be well to do so. I am sure that of everything even you must give an account at last, great though you be, and who knows, perhaps one life which you have saved may turn the balance in your favour.’”

Yva tells Oro that saving Arbuthnot might benefit Oro himself in some ultimate reckoning.

_Yva uses moral reasoning to persuade Oro to heal Arbuthnot._

> “The Sons of Wisdom did not intermarry with them or teach them their learning, or even allow them to drink of their Life-water. They ruled them as men rule dogs, treating them with kindness, but no more.”

The elite Sons of Wisdom kept their knowledge and life-prolonging water from their servants, ruling them like pets.

_Describes the rigid social hierarchy of Yva's civilization._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters/xviii-the-accident
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/when_the_world_shook_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters