Divus Johnston by John Buchan (1924)
The narrative unfolds through a discussion among characters about ambition and the nature of power, leading to a tale recounted by a character named Lamancha. He shares the story of Peter Thomson, a retired ship captain who recounts his extraordinary experiences after a shipwreck in the Malay Archipelago. Thomson survives a violent storm that sinks his vessel, the Archibald McKelvie, and finds himself on a deserted island. Captured by indigenous people, Thomson is initially treated as a prisoner but soon learns he is to be sacrificed to their god. However, he discovers that the god in question is a man named Johnston, a former acquaintance from Glasgow who has become a revered figure among the islanders. Johnston, after surviving a similar shipwreck, had risen to power by leading the islanders in battle and was eventually declared a god due to an ancient prophecy. Thomson describes Johnston's transformation from a grocer in Glasgow to a powerful leader who has reformed the island's practices, abolishing human sacrifices and establishing a semblance of order. Johnston grapples with the moral implications of his status as a god, questioning whether he has sinned by accepting worship from the islanders. Despite his internal conflict, he enjoys the privileges of his position, including wealth and influence. As the story progresses, Johnston prepares to leave the island, having amassed riches and a following. He and Thomson eventually escape to Singapore and return to Scotland, where Johnston seeks to integrate into society as a gentleman, purchasing an estate and engaging in politics. He becomes a prospective Liberal candidate, insisting that his past as a god must remain a secret to maintain his credibility. The tale explores themes of identity, power, and the complexities of morality, illustrating how circumstances can transform an ordinary individual into a figure of reverence and authority. The narrative concludes with Johnston's efforts to reconcile his past with his aspirations for a respectable future, highlighting the tension between personal history and societal expectations.
By John Buchan · First published 1924 · Genre: Adventure, Satire, Fantasy · 4,333 words
First lines
LORD LAMANCHA'S STORY
In deorum numerum relatus est non ore modo decementium sed et persuasione vulgi. -- SUETONIUS
What this Textopian page supports
Divus Johnston is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Buchan, dated 1924 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: John Buchan
- Date: 1924 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Satire, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Humor
- Length: 4,333 words
- Structure: 1 section, 37 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Divus Johnston by John Buchan
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Divus Johnston?
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- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Adventure — The plot revolves around a shipwreck and the protagonist's subsequent experiences on a remote island, including encounters with indigenous people and survival challenges.
- Satire — The narrative critiques ambition, power dynamics, and the absurdity of worship, particularly through the character of Johnston, who becomes a god-like figure.
- Fantasy — Elements of the story involve the protagonist being mistaken for a deity and the fantastical portrayal of island culture and rituals.
- Historical Fiction — The story references historical figures and events, such as Lenin and Gandhi, and is set against a backdrop of colonialism and trade in the early 20th century.
Tags
historical fiction · adventure · political intrigue · mystery · Scottish literature · 20th century · espionage · nationalism · identity · conflict · narrative style · character development