When the World Shook · Chapter
XX: Oro and Arbuthnot Travel by Night explained
Oro takes Arbuthnot on an astral journey through London and the battlefields of World War I, showing him the contrasts of worship, war, and human cruelty.
What happens
Oro takes Arbuthnot on an astral journey through London and the battlefields of World War I, showing him the contrasts of worship, war, and human cruelty. They observe a nearly empty church, a raucous music hall, a Salvation Army meeting, and the horrors of aerial bombardment, trench warfare, and massacres in Armenia. Oro expresses disgust at Christian hypocrisy and reaffirms his worship of Fate, while Arbuthnot is left horrified by the brutality.
Themes in this chapter
Clash of Beliefs
Oro contrasts Christian worship (empty churches, vulgar music halls) with the Salvation Army's purity and the brutality of Christian nations at war, questioning the moral authority of Christianity.
Civilization and Barbarism
The chapter juxtaposes London's superficial civilization with the barbaric horrors of war, including massacres, crucifixions, and the bombing of civilians.
Power and Corruption
Oro observes that wars are fought for power and territory, and that Christian nations massacre each other under the guise of liberty and justice.
Characters to notice
- Humphrey Arbuthnot
Accompanies Oro on an astral journey through London and war zones, experiencing horror at the violence and moral decay.
- Oro
Leads the journey, observing modern civilization with detached curiosity, condemning Christian hypocrisy, and reaffirming his worship of Fate.
- Mr. Bastin
Quoted by Arbuthnot regarding the existence of 'something behind Fate,' but does not appear directly in the chapter.
Key passages
“Here the hearers are very many, but those to whom they listen do not talk well. Let us go.”
Oro dismisses the music hall audience as numerous but entertained by vulgarity.
Oro contrasts the empty church with the packed music hall, criticizing modern entertainment.
“I do not understand these rites, but at last in your great and wonderful city I have seen something that is pure and noble.”
Oro acknowledges the Salvation Army meeting as the only pure and noble thing he has witnessed in London.
Oro's rare praise highlights his search for genuine spirituality amidst hypocrisy.
“Yes, this is war. It makes me young again to see it. But does this city of yours understand?”
Oro feels rejuvenated by the sight of war, but questions whether London truly comprehends its reality.
Oro's ancient perspective finds war familiar, while modern civilians are shocked.
“I am glad that I worship Fate. Bastin the priest need trouble me no more.”
Oro feels vindicated in his fatalism after witnessing Christian atrocities.
The chapter reinforces Oro's rejection of Christianity in favor of Fate.