Erewhon

Abstract

In Erewhon, by Samuel Butler, a young man leaves England in 1868 to seek fortune on an island. After his guide, Chowbok, abandons him, he continues exploring alone, eventually encountering eerie statues. He is captured by Erewhonians, who have strange customs: they consider illness a crime and ban all machines, fearing they will destroy humanity. Imprisoned for owning a watch, the narrator spends three months learning their language and way of life. During his stay with the Nosnibor family, the narrator falls in love with Arowhena, but they are forbidden to marry due to local customs. Facing trial he uses the Queen’s affection for him to escape via a hot air balloon with Arowhena. Returning to England, they marry, but the narrator soon plans to return to Erewhon, intending to convert its people to Christianity and establish a slave trade.