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Erewhon Revisited Twenty Years Later, Both by the Original Discoverer of the Country and by His Son

Written by Samuel Butler

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SatireUtopian fictionUtopias

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About this book

"Erewhon Revisited, Twenty Years Later, Both by the Original Discoverer of the Country and by his Son" by Samuel Butler is a philosophical novel written during the late 19th century. This sequel to Butler's earlier work, "Erewhon," explores the impacts and developments within the fictional society of Erewhon after the main character, Mr. Higgs, escapes with his wife in a balloon. The narrative follows a retrospective examination of societal growth and the emergence of religion influenced by Higgs's miraculous ascent, delving into themes of belief, identity, and the nature of truth. The opening of "Erewhon Revisited" reveals the author's contemplation on the changes that might have occurred in Erewhon over two decades, particularly after the extraordinary escape of Mr. Higgs and Arowhena. Butler introduces the notion that such a miraculous event would give rise to a new religion, outlining how new faiths often emerge during times of societal upheaval. He juxtaposes this with his father's journey back to Erewhon, detailing the struggles he faced in maintaining credibility and personal dignity after his previous experiences. As the narrative unfolds, it also introduces key characters, including the young son who represents a bridge between the past and the present, while foreshadowing the complex interactions that will arise as he learns about his father's legacy in this extraordinary land.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Erewhon Revisited Twenty Years Later, Both by the Original Discoverer of the Country and by His Son, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 9 hours
  • advanced
  • satirical
  • philosophical
  • skeptical

Samuel Butler's 'Erewhon Revisited' serves as a philosophical sequel, exploring the societal transformations within the fictional land of Erewhon two decades after Mr. Higgs's miraculous balloon escape. The narrative centers on the emergence of a new religion, 'Sunchild worship,' founded upon Higgs's perceived divine ascent, and his subsequent return to confront this unexpected legacy. Joined by his skeptical son, Higgs grapples with the challenges of revealing the truth against entrenched belief, delving into profound themes of faith, identity, and the elusive nature of truth. The novel satirizes religious dogma and societal evolution, examining how extraordinary events can be reinterpreted into sacred narratives.

“It is easier to believe a lie that one has heard a thousand times than to believe a truth that one has never heard before.”

Key themes

The Nature of Truth and Belief
This central theme explores the distinction between objective truth and subjective, collective belief. The novel questions whether truth can ever truly prevail against a deeply ingrained and powerful narrative, especially when that narrative serves as the foundation of a society's religion and power structure. It highlights how 'facts' can be reinterpreted to fit existing worldviews.
The Origins and Evolution of Religion
Butler uses the 'Sunchild worship' as an allegorical exploration of how religions are formed from extraordinary, often misunderstood, events. It delves into the processes of mythologization, the establishment of dogma, and the role of a priesthood in interpreting and maintaining sacred narratives. The theme critiques the arbitrary nature of faith and the human need to imbue the inexplicable with divine significance.
Identity and Legacy
The novel explores how one's identity can be shaped, and even distorted, by the perceptions of others and the narratives they create. Higgs grapples with his public identity as a divine figure versus his private identity as a fallible man. The theme also examines the concept of legacy – how one's actions, even unintentional ones, can have unforeseen and powerful long-term consequences, and how one generation's experiences are interpreted by the next.

Worth discussing

How does Butler use the Sunchild religion to critique organized religion in general, particularly Victorian Christianity?

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