The Blazing World

by

Margaret Cavendish

Themes and Colors
Fiction, Fancy, and Utopia Theme Icon
Gender Hierarchy and Women’s Freedom Theme Icon
Monarchy and Government Theme Icon
Philosophy, Science, and Religion Theme Icon
Love and Friendship Theme Icon
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Blazing World, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Fiction, Fancy, and Utopia Theme Icon

In The Blazing World, which is often considered an early utopian novel and pioneering work of science fiction, Margaret Cavendish writes of a young noblewoman who gets kidnapped and brought to another, parallel world, where the inhabitants care for her and make her their Empress. But these inhabitants are not ordinary human beings: they’re monstrous, fantastical, yet benevolent animal-human hybrids, like bear-men, fish-men, giants, and satyrs. Once she becomes Empress, the book’s protagonist dedicates her life to learning about her new world, which allows Cavendish to describe every detail in it with scientific precision, from the way ice forms and the nature of the stars to the division between soul and body. Yet, while Cavendish deeply values rationality and scientific thinking, The Blazing World is fundamentally about the power of fancy. Specifically, Cavendish uses the Empress’s Blazing World to show how fantasy—and utopian thinking and science fiction, by extension—can help people achieve insight and fulfillment by giving them total freedom to explore their identity, ambitions, and interests in an imaginary world of their own making. This is true for both writers and readers. Cavendish uses the Blazing World to indulge her fantasies of abolishing the patriarchy, ruling the world, and achieving total knowledge of everything in it. Meanwhile, the book calls her readers to imagine how the gender, class, and species hierarchies that govern their own world could be different and, in so doing, to view science fiction as a serious intellectual exercise.

Halfway through The Blazing World, when the Empress decides to write her own Cabbala (a mystical interpretation of God and the Hebrew Bible), she chooses to revive a historical figure as her scribe. After she tries and fails to work with a series of ancient philosophers, she instead chooses the Duchess of Newcastle—Margaret Cavendish herself. Throughout the rest of the book, the Empress and the Duchess become deep Platonic friends, visit each of their native worlds, and invent their own fantasy worlds together. By writing herself into the Empress’s life, Cavendish shows how fiction allows readers, writers, and characters to share in life-changing adventures. Just as the Duchess’s and Empress’s souls can travel through different worlds, Cavendish argues, everyone can do the same by imagining and reading about fictional universes.

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Fiction, Fancy, and Utopia Quotes in The Blazing World

Below you will find the important quotes in The Blazing World related to the theme of Fiction, Fancy, and Utopia.
To the Reader Quotes

Though I cannot be Henry the Fifth, or Charles the Second, yet I endeavour to be Margaret the First; and although I have neither power, time nor occasion to conquer the world as Alexander and Caesar did; yet rather than not to be mistress of one, since Fortune and the Fates would give me none, I have made a world of my own: for which no body, I hope, will blame me, since it is in every one’s power to do the like.

Related Characters: Margaret Cavendish (speaker), The Empress, Fortune
Page Number: 124
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 1 Quotes

But alas! those few men which were in it, not knowing whither they went, nor what was to be done in so strange an adventure, and not being provided for so cold a voyage, were all frozen to death, the young Lady only, by the light of her beauty, the heat of her youth, and protection of the gods, remaining alive: neither was it a wonder that the men did freeze to death; for they were not only driven to the very end or point of the Pole of that world, but even to another Pole of another world, which joined close to it; so that the cold having a double strength at the conjunction of those two Poles, was insupportable: at last, the boat still passing on, was forced into another world.

Related Characters: Margaret Cavendish (speaker), The Empress
Related Symbols: Fire, Blazes, and Light
Page Number: 125-6
Explanation and Analysis:

They made their ships and tacklings ready to sail over into the island, where the Emperor of their Blazing World (for so it was called) kept his residence; very good navigators they were; […] above the rest, they had an extraordinary art, much to be taken notice of by experimental philosophers, and that was a certain engine, which would draw in a great quantity of air, and shoot forth wind with a great force; this engine in a calm, they placed behind their ships, and in a storm, before; for it served against the raging waves, like canons against an hostile army, or besieged town.

Related Characters: Margaret Cavendish (speaker), The Empress, The Emperor
Page Number: 128-9
Explanation and Analysis:

No sooner was the Lady brought before the Emperor, but he conceived her to be some goddess, and offered to worship her; which she refused, telling him, (for by that time she had pretty well learned their language) that although she came out of another world, yet was she but a mortal; at which the Emperor rejoicing, made her his wife, and gave her an absolute power to rule and govern all that world as she pleased. But her subjects, who could hardly be persuaded to believe her mortal, tendered her all the veneration and worship due to a deity.

Related Characters: Margaret Cavendish (speaker), The Empress, The Emperor
Page Number: 132
Explanation and Analysis:

And thus the Empress, by art, and her own ingenuity, did not only convert the Blazing World to her own religion, but kept them in a constant belief, without enforcement or blood-shed; for she knew well, that belief was a thing not to be forced or pressed upon the people, but to be instilled into their minds by gentle persuasions; and after this manner she encouraged them also in all other duties and employments, for fear, though it makes people obey, yet does it not last so long, nor is it so sure a means to keep them to their duties, as love.

Related Characters: Margaret Cavendish (speaker), The Empress
Related Symbols: Fire, Blazes, and Light
Page Number: 164
Explanation and Analysis:

She asked again, whether they were none of those spirits that frighted Adam out of the Paradise, at least caused him not to return thither again? They answered they were not. Then she desired to be informed, whither Adam fled when he was driven out of the Paradise? Out of this world, said they, you are now Empress of, into the world you came from.

Related Characters: The Empress (speaker), The Immaterial Spirits (speaker)
Related Symbols: Fire, Blazes, and Light
Related Literary Devices:
Page Number: 170
Explanation and Analysis:

Then I will have, answered she, the soul of some ancient famous writer, either of Aristotle, Pythagoras, Plato, Epicurus, or the like. The spirit said, that those famous men were very learned, subtle, and ingenious writers, but they were so wedded to their own opinions, that they would never have the patience to be scribes. Then, said she, I’ll have the soul of one of the most famous modern writers, as either of Galileo, Gassendus, Descartes, Helmont, Hobbes, H. More, etc. The spirit answered, that they were fine ingenious writers, but yet so self-conceited, that they would scorn to be scribes to a woman. But, said he, there’s a lady, the Duchess of Newcastle, which although she is not one of the most learned, eloquent, witty and ingenious, yet is she a plain and rational writer, for the principle of her writings, is sense and reason.

Related Characters: Margaret Cavendish (speaker), The Empress, The Emperor, The Duchess, The Immaterial Spirits
Page Number: 181
Explanation and Analysis:

If your Majesty were resolved to make a Cabbala, I would advise you, rather to make a poetical or romancical Cabbala, wherein you can use metaphors, allegories, similitudes, etc. and interpret them as you please.

Related Characters: The Empress (speaker), The Duchess (speaker), Margaret Cavendish (speaker), The Duke of Newcastle
Page Number: 183
Explanation and Analysis:

We wonder, proceeded the spirits, that you desire to be Empress of a terrestrial world, when as you can create your self a celestial world if you please. What, said the Empress, can any mortal be a creator? Yes, answered the spirits; for every human creature can create an immaterial world fully inhabited by immaterial creatures, and populous of immaterial subjects, such as we are, and all this within the compass of the head or scull. […] And since it is in your power to create such a world, what need you to venture life, reputation and tranquility, to conquer a gross material world? For you can enjoy no more of a material world than a particular creature is able to enjoy, which is but a small part.

Related Characters: The Empress (speaker), Margaret Cavendish (speaker), The Immaterial Spirits (speaker), The Duchess, Fortune
Related Symbols: Fire, Blazes, and Light
Related Literary Devices:
Page Number: 185-6
Explanation and Analysis:

[The Duchess] resolved to make a world of her own invention, and this world was composed of sensitive and rational self-moving matter; indeed, it was composed only of the rational, which is the subtlest and purest degree of matter; [… this] world after it was made, appeared so curious and full of variety, so well ordered and wisely governed, that it cannot possibly be expressed by words, nor the delight and pleasure which the Duchess took in making this world of her own.

Related Characters: Margaret Cavendish (speaker), The Empress, The Duchess
Page Number: 188
Explanation and Analysis:

Lest the Emperor, or any of his subjects should know of her travel, and obstruct her design, she sent for some of the spirits she had formerly conversed withal, and enquired whether none of them could supply the place of her soul in her body at such a time, when she was gone to travel into another world? They answered, yes, they could; for not only one, said they, but many spirits may enter into your body, if you please.

Related Characters: Margaret Cavendish (speaker), The Empress, The Emperor, The Duchess, The Immaterial Spirits
Page Number: 189
Explanation and Analysis:

Thus those two female souls travelled together as lightly as two thoughts into the Duchess her native world; and which is remarkable, in a moment viewed all the parts of it, and all the actions of all the creatures therein, especially did the Empress’s soul take much notice of the several actions of human creatures in all the several nations and parts of that world, and wondered that for all there were so many several nations, governments, laws, religions, opinions, etc. they should all yet so generally agree in being ambitious, proud, self-conceited, vain, prodigal, deceitful, envious, malicious, unjust, revengeful, irreligious, factious, etc.

Related Characters: Margaret Cavendish (speaker), The Empress, The Emperor, The Duchess
Page Number: 190
Explanation and Analysis:

When the soul of the Empress viewed the King and Queen, she seemed to be in amaze, which the Duchess’s soul perceiving, asked the Empress how she liked the King, the Queen, and all the royal race? She answered, that in all the monarchs she had seen in that world, she had not found so much majesty and affability mixed so exactly together, that none did overshadow or eclipse the other; and as for the Queen, she said, that virtue sat triumphant in her face, and piety was dwelling in her heart, and that all the royal family seemed to be endued with a divine splendour: but when she had heard the King discourse, she believed, that Mercury and Apollo had been his celestial instructors; and my dear lord and husband, added the Duchess, has been his earthly governor.

Related Characters: The Empress (speaker), The Duchess (speaker), Margaret Cavendish (speaker), The Duke of Newcastle
Related Symbols: Fire, Blazes, and Light
Page Number: 192
Explanation and Analysis:

First, I desire, your Imperial Majesty may know, that this Duke who complains or exclaims so much against me, hath been always my enemy; for he has preferred Honesty and Prudence before me, and slighted all my favours; nay, not only thus, but he did fight against me, and preferred his innocence before my power. His friends Honesty and Prudence, said he most scornfully, are more to be regarded, than inconstant Fortune, who is only a friend to fools and knaves; for which neglect and scorn, whether I have not just reason to be his enemy, your Majesty may judge yourself.

Related Characters: Fortune (speaker), The Empress, The Duchess, The Duke of Newcastle, The Immaterial Spirits, Honesty, Prudence
Page Number: 196-7
Explanation and Analysis:

Fortune hearing thus Honesty’s plain speech, thought it very rude, and would not hearken to Truth’s judgement, but went away in a passion: at which, both the Empress and Duchess were extremely troubled, that their endeavours should have no better effect: but Honesty chid the Duchess, and said, she was to be punished for desiring so much Fortune’s favours; for it appears, said she, that you mistrust the gods’ blessings: at which the Duchess wept, answering Honesty, that she did neither mistrust the gods’ blessings, nor rely upon Fortune’s favours; but desired only that her lord might have no potent enemies.

Related Characters: Margaret Cavendish (speaker), The Empress, The Duchess, The Duke of Newcastle, Fortune, Honesty, Prudence
Page Number: 200
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 2 Quotes

The Empress before she came in sight of the enemy, sent some of her fish- and bird-men to bring her intelligence of their fleet; and hearing of their number, their station and posture, she gave order that when it was night, her bird-men should carry in their beaks some of the mentioned fire-stones, with the tops thereof wetted; and the fish-men should carry them likewise, and hold them out of the water; for they were cut in the form of torches or candles, and being many thousands, made a terrible show; for it appeared as if all the air and sea had been of a flaming fire; and all that were upon the sea, or near it, did verily believe, the time of judgement, or the last day was come, which made them all fall down, and pray.

Related Characters: Margaret Cavendish (speaker), The Empress, The Bear-Men, The Bird-Men, The Fish-Men, The Giants
Related Symbols: Fire, Blazes, and Light
Page Number: 208
Explanation and Analysis:

The Empress appeared upon the face of the water in her imperial robes; in some part of her hair she had placed some of the star-stone, near her face, which added such a lustre and glory to it, that it caused a great admiration in all that were present, who believed her to be some celestial creature, or rather an uncreated goddess, and they all had a desire to worship her; for surely, said they, no mortal creature can have such a splendid and transcendent beauty, nor can any have so great a power as she has, to walk upon the waters, and to destroy whatever she pleases, not only whole nations, but a whole world.

Related Characters: Margaret Cavendish (speaker), The Empress, The King of ESFI, The Bird-Men, The Fish-Men
Related Symbols: Fire, Blazes, and Light
Page Number: 214-5
Explanation and Analysis:

Great, heroic, and famous monarchs: I came hither to assist the King of ESFI against his enemies, he being unjustly assaulted by many several nations, which would fain take away his hereditary rights and prerogatives of the narrow seas; at which unjustice Heaven was much displeased; and for the injuries he received from his enemies, rewarded him with an absolute power, so that now he is become the head-monarch of all this world; which power, though you may envy, yet you can no ways hinder him; for all those that endeavour to resist his power, shall only get loss for their labour, and no victory for their profit. Wherefore my advice to you all is, to pay him tribute justly and truly, that you may live peaceably and happily, and be rewarded with the blessings of Heaven, which I wish you from my soul.

Related Characters: The Empress (speaker), The King of ESFI
Page Number: 216
Explanation and Analysis:

The Empress asked, are those good plays that are made so methodically and artificially? The Duchess answered, they were good according to the judgement of the age, or mode of the nation, but not according to her judgement; for truly, said she, in my opinion, their plays will prove a nursery of whining lovers, and not an academy or school for wise, witty, noble, and well-behaved men. But I, replied the Emperor, desire such a theatre as may make wise men; and will have such descriptions as are natural, not artificial. If Your Majesty be of that opinion, said the Duchess’s soul, then my plays may be acted in your Blazing World, when they cannot be acted in the Blinking World of Wit; and the next time I come to visit Your Majesty, I shall endeavour to order Your Majesty’s theatre, to present such plays as my wit is capable to make.

Related Characters: The Empress (speaker), The Emperor (speaker), The Duchess (speaker), Margaret Cavendish, The Duke of Newcastle
Page Number: 220
Explanation and Analysis:

Were there but a passage out of the Blazing World into this, said she, you should not only have some of those horses, but such materials, as the Emperor has, to build your stables and riding-houses withal; and so much gold, that I should never repine at your noble and generous gifts. The Duke smilingly answered her, that he was sorry there was no passage between those two worlds; but said he, I have always found an obstruction to my good fortunes.

Related Characters: The Duchess (speaker), The Duke of Newcastle (speaker), The Empress, Fortune
Page Number: 221
Explanation and Analysis:

One time the Duchess chanced to discourse with some of her acquaintance, of the Empress of the Blazing World, who asked her what pastimes and recreations Her Majesty did most delight in? The Duchess answered, that she spent most of her time in the study of natural causes and effects, which was her chief delight and pastime, and that she loved to discourse sometimes with the most learned persons of that world.

Related Characters: Margaret Cavendish (speaker), The Empress, The Duchess
Page Number: 221-2
Explanation and Analysis:
Epilogue Quotes

By this poetical description, you may perceive, that my ambition is not only to be Empress, but Authoress of a whole world; and that the worlds I have made, both the Blazing and the other Philosophical World, mentioned in the first part of this description, are framed and composed of the most pure, that is, the rational parts of matter, which are the parts of my mind; which creation was more easily and suddenly effected, than the conquests of the two famous monarchs of the world, Alexander and Caesar: neither have I made such disturbances, and caused so many dissolutions of particulars, otherwise named deaths, as they did; for I have destroyed but some few men in a little boat, which died through the extremity of cold, and that by the hand of Justice, which was necessitated to punish their crime of stealing away a young and beauteous Lady.

Related Characters: Margaret Cavendish (speaker), The Empress
Related Literary Devices:
Page Number: 224
Explanation and Analysis:

If any should like the world I have made, and be willing to be my subjects, they may imagine themselves such, and they are such, I mean, in their minds, fancies or imaginations; but if they cannot endure to be subjects, they may create worlds of their own, and govern themselves as they please: but yet let them have a care, not to prove unjust usurpers, and to rob me of mine; for concerning the Philosophical World, I am Empress of it myself; and as for the Blazing World, it having an Empress already, who rules it with great wisdom and conduct, which Empress is my dear Platonic friend; I shall never prove so unjust, treacherous and unworthy to her, as to disturb her government, much less to depose her from her imperial throne, for the sake of any other; but rather choose to create another world for another friend.

Related Characters: Margaret Cavendish (speaker), The Empress, The Duchess
Related Literary Devices:
Page Number: 224-5
Explanation and Analysis: