Erewhon Revisited by Samuel Butler

The narrative follows the journey of a man who revisits a fantastical land he once discovered, known for its peculiar customs and societal structures. The protagonist reflects on his past experiences and the changes that have occurred in the land since his initial visit. He grapples with the consequences of his earlier actions, which have led to the establishment of a new belief system centered around his previous adventures, now mythologized as the "Sunchild." The story begins with the protagonist's reflections on his father's life after the publication of his first book about Erewhon, which was initially celebrated but later dismissed as fiction. The father's reputation suffered due to various factors, including his own behavior and the public's changing perceptions. The protagonist recounts his father's desire to return to Erewhon, driven by a longing for the happiness he once shared with his wife in that land. Upon his return, the father discovers that Erewhon has transformed significantly. The society has adopted new beliefs, including the worship of the Sunchild, a figure that embodies the protagonist's past. The narrative explores themes of identity, memory, and the impact of myth on culture. The protagonist's father, now an old man, struggles with the implications of his past actions and the legacy he has left behind. As the father navigates the new Erewhon, he encounters various characters, including Professors Hanky and Panky, who have embraced the new belief system. The father reflects on the absurdities of the society that has developed around his myth, including the commercialization of his story and the rituals that have emerged in its wake. The climax of the narrative centers around a dedication ceremony for a new temple honoring the Sunchild. The father grapples with the decision of whether to reveal his true identity, knowing that doing so could have dire consequences. He contemplates the nature of truth and deception, ultimately deciding to remain hidden to avoid disrupting the fragile beliefs that have taken root in Erewhon. The story concludes with the father's realization that while he may not be able to change the past or the beliefs of the people, he can still influence the future by choosing how to engage with the world around him. The narrative serves as a commentary on the power of myth, the complexities of identity, and the enduring impact of one's actions on future generations.

By Samuel Butler · First published 1901 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Satire, Utopian Literature · 28 chapters

Contents

• Ups and Downs of Fortune-My Father Starts for Erewhon
• To the Foot of the Pass into Erewhon
• My Father while Camping is Accosted by Professors Hanky and Panky
• My Father Overhears more of Hanky and Panky's Conversation
• My Father Meets a Son, of Whose Existence he was Ignorant; and Strikes a Bargain with Him
• Further Conversation between Father and Son-The Professors' Hoard
• Signs of the New Order of Things Catch my Father's Eye on Every Side
• Yram, now Mayoress, Gives a Dinner-Party, in the Course of which she is Disquieted by what she Learns from Professor Hanky: she Sends for her Son George and Questions Him
• Interview between Yram and her Son
• My Father, Fearing Recognition at Sunch'Ston, Betakes himself to the Neighbouring Town of Fairmead
• President Gurgoyle's Pamphlet "on the Physics of Vicarious Existence"
• George Fails to Find my Father, Whereon Yram Cautions the Professors
• A Visit to the Provincial Deformatory at Fairmead
• My Father Makes the Acquaintance of Mr. Balmy, and Walks with him Next Day to Sunch'Ston
• The Temple is Dedicated to my Father, and Certain Extracts are Read from his Supposed Sayings
• Professor Hanky Preaches a Sermon, in the Course of which my Father Declares himself to be the Sunchild
• George Takes his Father to Prison, and there Obtains some Useful Information
• Yram Invites Dr. Downie and Mrs. Humdrum to Luncheon-A Passage at Arms between her and Hanky is Amicably Arranged
• A Council is Held at the Mayor's, in the Course of which George Turns the Tables on the Professors
• Mrs. Humdrum and Dr. Downie Propose a Compromise, which, after an Amendment by George, is Carried Nem. Con
• Yram, on Getting Rid of her Guests, Goes to the Prison to See my Father
• Mainly Occupied with a Veracious Extract from a Sunch'Stonian Journal
• My Father is Escorted to the Mayor's House, and is Introduced to a Future Daughter-In-Law
• After Dinner, Dr. Downie and the Professors Would be Glad to Know what is to be Done about Sunchildism
• George Escorts my Father to the Statues; the Two then Part
• My Father Reaches Home, and Dies not Long Afterwards
• I Meet my Brother George at the Statues, on the Top of the Pass into Erewhon
• George and I Spend a few Hours Together at the Statues, and then Part-I Reach Home-Postscript

More by Samuel Butler

• Erewhon (1872)
• Hudibras (1663)
• The Way of all Flesh (1903)
• All works by Samuel Butler