| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne: an existence drives these poor creatures to the sacrifice
much more than love or religious fanaticism. Sometimes, however,
the sacrifice is really voluntary, and it requires the active
interference of the Government to prevent it. Several years ago,
when I was living at Bombay, a young widow asked permission
of the governor to be burned along with her husband's body;
but, as you may imagine, he refused. The woman left the town,
took refuge with an independent rajah, and there carried out
her self-devoted purpose."
While Sir Francis was speaking, the guide shook his head several times,
and now said: "The sacrifice which will take place to-morrow at dawn
 Around the World in 80 Days |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Herland by Charlotte Gilman: mothers, intending to take possession of the country with the
remaining young women and girls.
But this succession of misfortunes was too much for those
infuriated virgins. There were many of them, and but few of
these would-be masters, so the young women, instead of submitting,
rose in sheer desperation and slew their brutal conquerors.
This sounds like Titus Andronicus, I know, but that is their
account. I suppose they were about crazy--can you blame them?
There was literally no one left on this beautiful high garden
land but a bunch of hysterical girls and some older slave women.
That was about two thousand years ago.
 Herland |