The Book of Jade · Chapter
Litany explained
A litany of universal weariness, where the speaker declares that all things—authors, philosophies, women, wine, victory, defeat, life, death, the heavens, apostles, prophets, martyrs, and even the self—are sources of fatigue and boredom.
What happens
A litany of universal weariness, where the speaker declares that all things—authors, philosophies, women, wine, victory, defeat, life, death, the heavens, apostles, prophets, martyrs, and even the self—are sources of fatigue and boredom.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the dramatic climax because the speaker reaches the absolute nadir of despair—identifying himself as l…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Ennui and Existential Dread
The entire litany is a catalog of weariness with every aspect of existence, from human endeavors to divine beings.
- Nihilism and Spiritual Emptiness
The speaker's fatigue extends to the self and the divine, suggesting a profound emptiness and lack of meaning.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The speaker who expresses profound ennui with all existence.
- the Absolute
Implicitly addressed as 'Thee' and 'Thyself,' the ultimate entity that shares in the weariness.
Key passages
“All the authors that there are bore Me; All the philosophies bore Me; All the statues and all the temples bore Me;”
Every writer, every system of thought, every work of art and place of worship fails to engage or interest me.
Opening declaration of universal boredom with human cultural and intellectual achievements.
“Myself wearieth Me.”
Even my own existence is a source of fatigue.
Climactic admission of self-directed ennui, extending weariness to the core of identity.
