Palace of the Peacock by Wilson Harris

Question

It goes without saying that it is an anti conventional novel we are dealing with. I am currently reading it but I just cannot figure out what happens in chapter 7. From what I gathered, the focus is on a baby but I am inclined to think that something bizarre has happened, like an incest or a rape. For sure a member of the spectral crew dies and the drowns and we find out that he is somehow related to Schomburgh. Could you please lend me a hand as I am having a hard time understanding.

Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Palace of the Peacock by Wilson Harris is known for its abstract narrative style, so it's common to feel confused, especially in chapters with surreal or symbolic events. In Chapter 7, you're right that there's a focus on a baby, but the themes in this chapter aren't straightforward. The baby is connected to a larger metaphor about birth, transformation, and the consequences of the past. The "spectral crew" you mentioned are symbolic of the psychological and emotional burden carried by the characters. While it may seem like something bizarre or traumatic, the events are more about exploring the darker, hidden aspects of the human psyche and the consequences of unresolved history. Schomburgh's connection to the deceased crew member is part of the novel's exploration of identity, lineage, and the weight of past actions.

It's not a traditional plot-driven story, so it can be difficult to follow. If you're struggling, try reading the chapter with the mindset that Harris is often using symbolism and psychological depth rather than literal events to move the narrative forward.