Introduction
"Erewhon Revisited" is a satirical unique composed by Samuel Butler and released in 1901, which works as a sequel to his earlier work, "Erewhon". The novel revisits the fictional world of Erewhon, a utopian society, and checks out the impact that the arrival of a private called the "Sun Child" has actually had on its occupants. The narrative works as a review of Victorian society, religious beliefs, and the principle of paradise, by utilizing humor and wit to expose the fallacies and inconsistencies in humanity and social institutions.
Plot
Twenty years have actually passed because the protagonist, Higgs, got away from Erewhon with the assistance of an Erewhonian female called Yram. Higgs had actually been misinterpreted for the prophesied Sun Child, whom the Erewhonians thought would bring enlightenment and prosperity to their society. Now, Higgs is determined to return to Erewhon and see the effects of his actions.
Higgs, along with his boy George, disguises himself as a travelling English gentleman and go back to Erewhon under an incorrect identity. They are shocked to find that Erewhon has actually been changed over the previous 20 years, as their society now worships the Sun Child as a god. The Erewhonians have actually even constructed temples in his honor and established a strict spiritual hierarchy.
Exposure of Hypocrisy
While Erewhon's political and religious landscape has altered, its individuals still cling to their antiquated beliefs and custom-mades. For instance, they continue to shun using devices out of fear that they might evolve and ultimately enslave mankind. Butler uses this tiresome adherence to tradition to highlight the misconceptions in human thinking and the flawed nature of society.
The novel also highlights the power dynamics and adjustments that take place within religious institutions. The Erewhonian church has ended up being corrupted by political intrigue and self-serving agendas, leading to a scenario where religious authority figures make use of the faithful to protect their own positions of power.
Function of the Sun Child
One of the primary focuses of the plot includes George, Higgs's boy, falling in love with Yram's child, Arowhena. Sadly, these star-crossed enthusiasts face numerous challenges, as Arowhena's marriage has been arranged by the religious hierarchy. The romantic subplot acts as a way for Butler to challenge traditional ideas of love, marriage, and social hierarchy.
Moreover, George ends up being involved in the power battle surrounding the Church of the Sun Child. Referred to as the "Sun-Man" due to his association with the revered Sun Child, George takes on the function of an informed outsider, who exposes the hypocrisy, greed, and ethical insolvency of the Erewhonian spiritual facility. Subsequently, the cult of the Sun Child slowly begins to decipher.
Conclusion and Legacy
In the end, Higgs and George handle to expose the deceitful nature of the religious hierarchy and cause the fall of the Sun Child cult. They subsequently leave Erewhon, having actually seen the dreadful effects of their past actions and how human nature can pervert even the most well-intentioned ideas.
"Erewhon Revisited" is a thought-provoking novel that raises crucial questions about the nature of society, faith, and human recklessness. Butler's skillful use of satire enables him to expose the absurdities and inconsistencies fundamental in these organizations. Today, the unique continues to act as a crucial social commentary and a pertinent and appealing piece of literature.
Erewhon Revisited
Erewhon Revisited is a sequel to Erewhon, further exploring the themes of the first novel, where the protagonist Higgs returns to Erewhon to discover what has changed since his initial visit.
Author: Samuel Butler
Samuel Butler, a renowned British poet, novelist & satirist, known for bold works like Erewhon, Way of All Flesh, & his captivating quotes.
More about Samuel Butler