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57 pages 1 hour read

Lew Wallace

Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ

Lew WallaceFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1880

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Part 3, Chapters 1-6Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 3: “Book Third”

Part 3, Chapter 1 Summary

Three years later, a Roman fleet is outfitting to hunt pirates in the Aegean Sea. The fleet commander, Arrius, boards the flagship near his estate in Misenum.

Part 3, Chapter 2 Summary

Arrius questions the ship’s various officers about his new command and their mission before taking a personal inspection. A description of the ship’s layout follows, as well as of the misery endured by the rowers. As Arrius looks over the rowers from his seat, Ben-Hur catches his attention. He appreciates Ben-Hur’s physical form and is surprised when he realizes his youth and Jewish heritage. Ben-Hur notices Arrius staring and takes it as hostile until Arrius smiles at him.

Part 3, Chapter 3 Summary

Arrius asks the rowing-master about Ben-Hur. He confirms that Ben-Hur is Jewish and adds that he is the ship’s best rower. Arrius sends for Ben-Hur and questions him. During the interview, it is revealed that Arrius knew Ben-Hur’s father. Arrius is stunned; he had thought that the family had all been destroyed. Ben-Hur breaks down weeping and begs Arrius for news of his family. Arrius asks him if he is guilty, and Ben-Hur swears to Jehovah that he is not and explains the circumstances of the accident and his subsequent arrest. Arrius is nearly convinced that Ben-Hur is telling the truth.

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