Tools - “A Discussion Somewhat In The Air”
Chesterton elucidates, “All the tools of Professor Lucifer were the ancient human tools gone mad, grown into unrecognizable shapes, forgetful of their origin, forgetful of their names. That thing which looked like an enormous key with three wheels was really a patent and very deadly revolver. That object which seemed to be created by the entanglement of two corkscrews was really the key. ” Professor Lucifer’s tools connote his great innovation. The tools have been altered immensely to steer the flying ship. Extreme alteration of the tools makes it difficult to recognize them. Professor Lucifer is a modernist who contributes to technological discoveries.
Contradictions - “A Discussion Somewhat In The Air”
Michael asserts, “But we like contradictions in terms. Man is a contradiction in terms; he is a beast whose superiority to other beasts consists in having fallen. That cross is, as you say, an eternal collision; so am I. That is a struggle in stone. Every form of life is a struggle in flesh. The shape of the cross is irrational, just as the shape of the human animal is irrational. You say the cross is a quadruped with one limb longer than the rest. I say man is a quadruped who only uses two of his legs.” Michael employs relativism to expound the contradictions which are inherent in life. Deeming man as superior to beasts is contradictory because if he were absolutely superior, he would not have fallen. Moreover, perceptions of the cross are contradictory; interpretations of the cross are based on divergent ideologies and individual observations. Therefore, theirs is no universal interpretation of the cross due to the inevitable contradictions.
Evan’s World - “The Religion Of The Stipendiary Magistrate”
Michael emphasizes, “On that fantastic fringe of the Gaelic land where he walked as a boy, the cliffs were as fantastic as the clouds. Heaven seemed to humble itself and come closer to the earth... Evan lived like a man walking on a borderland, the borderland between this world and another.” The Gaelic environment which Evan explores during his childhood contributes to his spiritual awakening. Nature convinces Evan concerning the existence of supernatural forces. Looking at the components of the environment triggers imageries of the supernatural beings in Evan’s mind.
The Duel - “Some Old Curiosities”
Chesterton describes, “The instant the blades touched, each felt them tingle to their very points with a personal vitality, as if they were two naked nerves of steel…for the instant Evan engaged he disengaged and lunged with an infernal violence. His opponent with a desperate promptitude parried and riposted; the parry only just succeeded, the riposte failed.” The duel is comparable to a military combatant due to the violence and the weapons that are utilized. Evan is determined to defeat Turnbull and vice versa. Their vigorous approach towards each other demonstrates their determination to defend their ideologies. They are ideological enemies intent on settling their differences through murder.
Christians versus Atheists - “Some Old Curiosities”
Mr. Turnbull asserts, “We must fight this thing out somewhere; because, as you truly say, we have found each other's reality. We must kill each other—or convert each other. I used to think all Christians were hypocrites, and I felt quite mildly towards them really. But I know you are sincere—and my soul is mad against you. In the same way you used, I suppose, to think that all atheists thought atheism would leave them free for immorality—and yet in your heart you tolerated them entirely.” Christians, whom Evan represents, detest Atheists, whom Turnbull represents. However, both Turnbull and Evan demonstrate that the goodness is not dependent on their respective religious ideologies. Both are good men who are devoted to their creeds. They have two options to settle their dilemma; either death or conversion. The two options are evident in the religious wars that are intended to convert individuals from one religion to another. Willingness to die for one’s religion is a confirmation of utmost devotion.
