Stranger in a Strange Land Chapters XXII–XXIII Summary & Analysis

Summary

Note: These chapters begin Part Three, entitled "His Eccentric Education."

Chapter XXII

The narrator tells us of cosmic developments in the galaxy. The Martian elders discuss the implications of an important piece of Martian artwork. The narrator tells of recent developments in Earth culture.

Most of the media frenzy surrounding Mike has abated, but Mike is still receiving large loads of mail at Jubal's estate. Though Mike receives many sexual propositions, one day a particularly lewd one arrives, and Jill, shocked, shows it to Jubal. She is tempted to tear up the picture, but Jubal insists that Mike's mail is his own property and that she is obliged to pass it on to him. Jill fears corrupting Mike's innocence, but Jubal points out that Mike is hardly innocent—he has killed men. Jubal tells Jill that if Mike does not want the picture then she should pass it on to Duke, who enjoys lewd pictures. Jill is surprised, as Jubal argues that an affinity for pornography does not compromise Duke's status as a gentleman.

Mike is interested in the picture, and the concept of sex, which he understands technically, but does not grok. Mike gives the picture to Duke. Some paperwork arrives from Douglas, and Jubal explains to Mike the concept of money. Realizing how money economically binds together people all over the planet, Mike finds himself awed by the beauty of the idea. Mike begins buying presents for everyone he knows. Jill helps him to choose appropriate gifts. For Jubal he buys a replica of a Rodin sculpture that turns out to be a favorite of Jubal's. For Jill he buys perfume and she kisses him in gratitude. Dorcas shows playful jealousy, and flirts with Mike.

Senator Boone sends repeated invitations to Mike to attend a Fosterite service led by Bishop Digby. Finally arrangements are made for Mike, accompanied by Jubal and Jill, to go to one.

Chapter XXIII

On the way to the service, Jubal warns Mike that the Fosterites will try to seduce him for his money and his fame. Jubal warns of the ways of organized religions. Jubal was taught in his youth that those outside of his religion were damned, but if Jubal had truly taken that to heart, then he could not have befriended, for example, Mahmoud, a Muslim. Jubal fears that the Fosterites are sincere in their prosthelytizing, and that perhaps their sincerity will appeal to Mike.

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