The Talisman: A Novel
Chapter 49: The Earthquake
by King, StephenIn Chapter 44, “The Earthquake,” Jack Sawyer experiences a transcendent moment as he holds the Talisman, realizing its true power extends far beyond his father’s understanding. He becomes aware of his simultaneous existence across infinite worlds, embodying everything from blades of grass to cosmic dust. This overwhelming connection to all creation terrifies him, as he feels the weight of being omnipresent and omnipotent, akin to a god. Jack’s desperate plea to return to his singular purpose—saving his mother—snaps him back to reality, where he finds himself still clutching the Talisman in the Territories Ballroom.
Meanwhile, the physical world around Jack descends into chaos as an earthquake ravages Point Venuti. The cliffs collapse, landslides bury the town, and Morgan’s Wolf Brigade scatters in panic, some fleeing into other worlds only to meet destruction. The earthquake triggers a chain reaction of disasters across multiple realities, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all worlds. Amid the turmoil, grotesque scenes unfold, such as a woman offering her torn hair as a “bouquet” before being decapitated by a fleeing Wolf, highlighting the brutality and madness of the collapsing order.
Jack, now focused on the Talisman, observes its pulsating glow and malleable nature, sensing its alive, almost sentient presence. Though initially worried his actions might cause harm across worlds, the Talisman reassures him, filling him with profound peace. This moment of clarity contrasts sharply with the surrounding devastation, as Jack grapples with the temptation to keep the Talisman for himself, mesmerized by its beauty and power. His contemplation is interrupted by Richard’s cry, reminding him of his immediate responsibilities.
Morgan Sloat, undeterred by the chaos, rallies his remaining forces, shouting orders to form a defensive ring on the beach. His ruthless determination contrasts with Gardener’s abject terror, as Morgan dismisses the catastrophe as mere “special effects.” The chapter ends with the Agincourt groaning under the strain of the earthquake, leaving the fate of Jack, Richard, and the Talisman hanging in the balance as the world around them crumbles.
FAQs
1. What does Jack experience when he first holds the Talisman, and how does this transcend his initial understanding of its power?
Answer:
When Jack first holds the Talisman, he experiences a profound, all-encompassing connection to all possible worlds. He becomes aware that he is not just present in multiple worlds simultaneously but is, in fact, those worlds and the spaces between them. This realization goes far beyond his father’s belief that the Talisman is merely the “axle of all possible worlds.” Jack becomes everything—from a dying blade of grass to copulating dragons, from interstellar dust to the atoms within germs. This omnipresence terrifies him, as he feels he has become God or something equivalent, and he rejects this infinite power, focusing instead on his original goal: saving his mother’s life.2. How does the earthquake manifest in both the physical world and the Territories, and what symbolic significance does it hold?
Answer:
The earthquake is a cataclysmic event that disrupts both the physical world (Point Venuti, California) and the Territories. In Point Venuti, the ground shakes violently, cliffs collapse, and the tide reverses, exposing strange sea creatures. In the Territories, Morgan’s Wolf Brigade is decimated, with some members fleeing in terror or being swallowed by upheavals. The earthquake symbolizes the destabilization of reality itself, reflecting Jack’s momentary transcendence and the Talisman’s power to affect all worlds simultaneously. It also represents the chaos that ensues when the boundaries between worlds are disrupted, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all existence.3. Analyze Morgan Sloat’s reaction to the earthquake and his instructions to his followers. What does this reveal about his leadership and worldview?
Answer:
Morgan Sloat reacts to the earthquake with a mix of desperation and authoritarian control. He commands his followers via a pack-set, urging them to stay outside and form a protective ring on the beach, dismissing the chaos as “nothing but a bunch of goddam special effects.” This reveals his manipulative leadership style—he downplays the danger to maintain control and promises rewards to those who obey. His refusal to acknowledge the earthquake’s true magnitude reflects his arrogance and denial of the Talisman’s power. Additionally, his violent treatment of Gardener (“On your feet, beautiful”) underscores his ruthlessness and lack of empathy.4. How does the Talisman communicate with Jack, and what reassurance does it offer him?
Answer:
The Talisman communicates with Jack through a whispered, almost telepathic voice. When Jack worries that his actions might harm billions across worlds, the Talisman reassures him with the phrase, “All will be well… and all manner of things will be well.” It encourages him to “believe; be true; stand; do not falter now.” This interaction highlights the Talisman’s sentience and benevolence, contrasting with Jack’s earlier terror at becoming God-like. The reassurance restores Jack’s peace and resolve, emphasizing the theme of faith and perseverance in the face of overwhelming power.5. What critical choice does Jack face at the end of the chapter, and how does it reflect his character development?
Answer:
At the end of the chapter, Jack faces the choice of whether to keep the Talisman for himself or use it to save his mother. His momentary temptation to hold onto it (“wondered if he could ever bring himself to let this wondrous bauble go”) reflects its allure and power. However, Richard’s cry snaps him back to reality, reminding him of his mission. This moment underscores Jack’s growth—he rejects omnipotence in favor of his original, selfless goal. It reinforces his humanity and moral integrity, distinguishing him from power-hungry figures like Morgan Sloat.
Quotes
1. “Jack Sawyer was everywhere; Jack Sawyer was everything. A blade of grass on a world fifty thousand worlds down the chain from earth died of thirst on an inconsequential plain somewhere in the center of a continent which roughly corresponded in position to Africa; Jack died with that blade of grass.”
This quote captures the transcendental revelation Jack experiences upon grasping the Talisman’s true nature—his consciousness expanding to encompass all possible worlds simultaneously. It represents the chapter’s central theme of cosmic interconnectedness.
2. “He was God. God, or something so close as to make no difference. No! Jack screamed in terror. No, I don’t want to be God! Please! Please, I don’t want to be God, I ONLY WANT TO SAVE MY MOTHER’S LIFE!”
This pivotal moment shows Jack rejecting omnipotence to maintain his human purpose. The emotional climax underscores the tension between infinite power and mortal responsibility that drives the narrative.
3. “No, Jack: All will be well… all will be well… and all manner of things will be well. Only believe; be true; stand; do not falter now.”
The Talisman’s reassurance to Jack represents the chapter’s spiritual resolution, echoing Julian of Norwich’s mystical writings. This moment of peace contrasts with the surrounding chaos and reinforces the theme of faith.
4. “Morgan reeled toward him like a drunk and ripped the pack-set from Gardener’s shoulder. ‘STAY OUTSIDE! IF YOU TRY TO GET OUT OF TOWN THE MOTHERFUCKING CLIFFS WILL FALL ON YOU!’”
Morgan’s desperate commands during the earthquake reveal both his ruthless leadership and the scale of the cataclysm. This quote exemplifies the chapter’s visceral physical destruction mirroring Jack’s metaphysical journey.
5. “Rainbow, rainbow, rainbow, Jack thought, and wondered if he could ever bring himself to let this wondrous bauble go.”
Jack’s awestruck contemplation of the Talisman’s beauty encapsulates the chapter’s central conflict—the seduction of ultimate power versus his original mission. The poetic repetition emphasizes the object’s mesmerizing qualities.