# XXV: Sacrifice explained — When the World Shook

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

## What happens

Oro reveals his plan to use a cosmic alignment to sink half the world and raise a new one, with himself and his seed as gods. Despite pleas from Arbuthnot, Bastin, Bickley, and Yva, Oro remains resolute. Bastin's fearless defiance and Yva's warning of failure precede the arrival of a terrifying, whirling fire-being. The chapter ends with Oro leading them to witness the impending cataclysm.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Corruption

Oro's ambition to become absolute ruler of a new world corrupts his judgment, leading him to plan mass destruction.

### Clash of Beliefs

Bastin's Christian faith directly opposes Oro's god-like aspirations, culminating in a verbal confrontation.

### Love and Sacrifice

Yva's love for Arbuthnot and her plea to her father reflect a willingness to sacrifice her own future for the greater good.

## Character check-ins

### Humphrey Arbuthnot

Pleads with Oro to abandon his plan, recalling Yva's vision.

### Mr. Bastin

Bravely confronts Oro, calling him devilish and warning of damnation.

### J. R. Bickley

Skeptical but alarmed, questions Oro about the cosmic event.

### Oro

Determined to destroy the world, furious at opposition, but momentarily subdued by Bastin's courage.

### Yva

Warns her father that his plans will fail, and shows concern for Arbuthnot.

### Tommy

Patted by Yva during the tense moments.

## Key lines

> I would lift you up, I would make you rulers of a new world; I would destroy your vile civilisations which I have studied with my eyes, that I may build better!

Oro offers Arbuthnot and others a chance to rule a new world, promising to erase their corrupt civilizations.

_Oro's megalomania and contempt for modern society are laid bare._

> Yours won't be a happy deathbed, Oro, because, you see, you glory in your sins and don't know what repentance means.

Bastin tells Oro that his unrepentant sinfulness will lead to a miserable end.

_Bastin's fearless moral condemnation stuns even Oro._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters/xxv-sacrifice
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/when_the_world_shook_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/when_the_world_shook_se/chapters