# Superstition and Faith in After London

> Theme guide for After London by Richard Jefferies.

The narrative contrasts Aurora’s clear, hopeful faith with Felix’s scientific skepticism and the pervasive superstitions about demons, omens, and the poisoned, haunted ruins of London.

## Where it surfaces

- [Men of the Woods](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/chapters/iii-men-of-the-woods): Theological explanations for the change are mentioned, and the gipsies are associated with sorcery and magic.
- [The Lake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/chapters/v-the-lake): Common people attribute fiery shapes and specters in the marshes to demons, and hunters avoid ancient sites due to fear of illness, reflecting superstitious beliefs.
- [IV: The Canoe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/chapters/iv-the-canoe): The nobles accuse Sir Constans of sorcery due to his mechanical inventions, reflecting superstitious attitudes toward lost knowledge.
- [IX: Superstitions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/chapters/ix-superstitions): The chapter details Romany sorcery, demons, amulets of St. Augustine, and the belief in supernatural beings like fern-women and moon-worshipping rituals.
- [XI: Aurora](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/chapters/xi-aurora): Aurora's unwavering ancient Christian faith contrasts with Felix's indifference and the era's superstitions, omens, and brutal creeds.
- [Night in the Forest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/chapters/xii-night-in-the-forest): Felix struggles with rational philosophy versus folk belief in demons and vampires, especially after reading a book of magic at the castle.
- [Strange Things](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/chapters/xxiii-strange-things): Felix recalls traditions of ghastly monsters and a half-buried giant, blending folklore with the reality of the poisoned ruins.
- [Fiery Vapours](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/chapters/xxiv-fiery-vapours): Felix's awe at the phosphoric flames and his interpretation of the birds' migration as a sign of impending danger reflect a superstitious worldview mixed with natural observation.
- [The Shepherds](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/chapters/xxv-the-shepherds): The shepherds attribute Felix's survival of the ancient city's vapors to divine intervention, treating him with superstitious awe and reverence.
- [Surprised](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/chapters/xxvii-surprised): The shepherds interpret Felix's knowledge and the accidental spring discovery as supernatural, investing him with divine attributes despite his attempts to explain rationally.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/themes/superstition_and_faith
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/after_london_se/themes