Plague of Pythons · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Plague of Pythons by Frederik Pohl.
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Chapter 1
I
Chandler's trial for rape and assault is held in a high school auditorium. The prosecution presents evidence of his brutal attack on Peggy Flershem and attempted assault on Mrs. Porter. Chandler, who claims temporary pandemic insanity, observes the proceedings with detachment, remembering his own actions as if he were a spectator. The judge, Ellithorp, is eager for a swift conviction and execution.
Chapter 2
II
Chandler, on trial for rape committed during a possession, reflects on his innocence and the hypocrisy of a society where many guilty individuals walk free. His lawyer advises him that a possession defense is futile because the crime occurred at a pharmaceutical plant, an area believed immune to demons. Chandler recalls the murder of his wife Margot by his friend Jack Souther. During a chaotic moment in court when a woman is possessed, Chandler's lawyer exploits a technicality to secure his release, but Chandler must plead guilty and is branded with an 'H' for 'hoaxer' on his forehead.
Chapter 3
III
Chandler awakens in a freight car with a burned hand and a branded 'H' on his forehead, having escaped after being attacked by Ellen Braisted and others. The train stops unexpectedly, and Chandler suspects the engineer is possessed. He leaves the train and seeks help at a house, where he is welcomed by a man named Guy and a girl named Meggie. He is led into a meeting of the Orphalese cult, where he is held at gunpoint.
Chapter 4
IV
Chandler, having survived the destruction of the Orphalese compound, is captured by the cult and bound on stage. Walter leads a meeting using Kahlil Gibran's 'The Prophet' to explain possession and guilt. Meg recounts how Guy founded Orphalese after being possessed. After the attack by hunters, Chandler decides to join the Orphalese, seeing hope in their plan to fight the possessors.
Chapter 5
V
Chandler, possessed by an Exec, is forced to travel from Los Angeles to Hawaii. Along the way, he experiences moments of freedom when his possessor is distracted by a copy of Gibran's The Prophet. He is ultimately delivered to Hawaii, where the Execs' control is evident.
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