38 pages • 1 hour read
Becky ChambersA Psalm for the Wild-Built
Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Chapters 7-8Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Chapter 7 Summary: “The Wild”
Dex reflects on the fact that human-built spaces are unnatural aberrations in landscapes, rather than wildness simply existing between manicured spaces.
Dex and Mosscap reach a section of the road which has completely slid away into disrepair; it is impassable on the wagon. Mosscap expresses its disappointment to Dex that they can’t continue toward the hermitage, but Dex remains resolutely determined; to Mosscap’s surprise, they pack a backpack and continue on foot. Mosscap worries that this isn’t a good idea; it warns of dangerous terrain and animals. It accompanies Dex nonetheless, catching them as they fall off a rock ledge at one point.
Dex hurts themself in the fall and starts to cry in frustration and exhaustion. Mosscap leads them to a cave. It is dark and uncomfortable. Mosscap lights its fingertips, which brings some comfort to Dex, who is scared and cold. Dex tells Mosscap about their feelings of dissatisfaction in spite of a seemingly blessed and full life, which motivated the strange yearning to reach the hermitage. Mosscap points out that one’s existence doesn’t need to be justified by a greater purpose; simply existing and appreciating the world is enough.
They sit next to each other and hold hands. Mosscap is fascinated by the way the lights in its fingers illuminates the blood in Dex’s hands and fingers.
Chapter 8 Summary: “The Summer Bear”
Dex wakes up, having fallen asleep on Mosscap. They observe the view of the forested valley below the cave, and feel a sense of wonder and awe. They continue climbing despite the fact that they are sore and tired, and Mosscap continues to accompany them.
Finally, Dex and Mosscap reach the hermitage, which is beautiful despite the fact that it is overgrown and partially destroyed. They explore the building, marveling at the spaces dedicated to the different Gods. Dex finds an old teacup.
Dex takes a nap. They wake up in the evening and find that Mosscap has built a fire and brewed tea for them, having studied some of the library's resources on how to do these things. The tea is bitter, as Mosscap knew that Dex could ingest wild thyme but didn’t want to risk anything else. Dex assures Mosscap that it is a wonderful cup of tea—the best they have had in years. Dex reflects that this comment is true, despite the bitterness of the tea, as they are touched by Mosscap’s efforts. As is traditional in the tea ceremony, Dex tells Mosscap about why they are upset: They went on a strange journey to find some unknowable aspect of purpose or peace, and now don’t know what’s next for them. Mosscap listens. Dex and Mosscap discuss purpose as a concept, and whether it is necessary for a fulfilled life; Mosscap suggests that it is not.
Dex talks to Mosscap about the best approach to taking Mosscap around Panga. Mosscap infers that Dex is agreeing to accompany it on its mission to understand what humans need. Dex sees Mosscap’s gaze brightening as it realizes this.
Chapters 7-8 Analysis
Chambers explores The Importance of Ecological Sustainability further in these chapters through Dex’s reflections on the relationship between manmade and natural spaces. Dex realizes that humans tend to view their unnaturally manicured spaces as natural, and wild spaces as “other,” and that this “view of the world is backward” (110). Dex feels drawn to the novelty and wonder of wildness. Through their travels, they realize that these wild spaces are the norm, and that the world of human creation and comfort is—in fact—novel, strange, and unnatural. As Dex reflects, “human constructs are carved out and overlaid […] these are the places that are the in-between, not the other way around” (110).
Dex continues to unpack their thoughts about humanity’s relationship with the natural world, a fraught and tangled topic given Panga’s pre- and post-Transition history. Through their struggles in the powerful, terrifying, and almost impenetrable wilderness, they feel a renewed and lived appreciation for wild and natural spaces, rather than simply a theoretical admiration: “Dex began to climb another rock, hands and feet seeking scraps of purchase, cold rain soaking the last patches of clothing that had managed to avoid their sweat” (115). Their struggle emphasizes the power of nature, for which they are so ill-equipped.
Dex’s struggles help them to feel sympathy and appreciation, rather than just shame and condemnation, for their ancestors, who sought to tame wild spaces for their own comfort and destroyed them—“listening to the rain fall, watching the light vanish, Dex began to understand why the concept of inside had been invented in the first place” (118). Dex further understands their ancestors’ needs to carve out space when they find themself on a paved road after miles of climbing up the mountain: “Dex found it dangerously easy to understand why their ancestors had wanted to pace the world over” (127). Through these reflections, Dex continues to make peace with their ancestors’ mistakes of the past.
Chambers continues to explore Freedom and Adventure through Dex’s journey toward the hermitage. Both Dex and Mosscap feel a sense of wonder at the beautiful, dilapidated space: “‘Oh, Sibling Dex, this is wonderful,’ the robot said reverently. ‘I’ve never seen a space like this’” (128). Dex is moved, their finger “trembling” as they “touch[ed] the panes” of old glass (129). Dex and Mosscap’s appreciation of the hermitage embodies Mosscap’s worldview—“it is enough to exist in the world and marvel at it” (139).
Through Mosscap, Chambers illuminates what it means to find true purpose. For Mosscap, doing meaningful work is just as “fine and good” as crawling into a cave and watching stalagmites grow (139). Mosscap points out that, like animals, robots simply exist in the wild. Their level of consciousness allows them an additional layer of appreciation for their surroundings. This appreciation is enough; there is no further purpose required. Mosscap argues that “you are allowed to just live” (139). A greater purpose is not needed to justify living. The truth of Mosscap’s words is underscored when “crickets began to sing” in the wilds outside the hermitage (147). The desire to hear cricket song originally motivated Dex’s exploration of new things. The narrative implies that Dex will find peace in simply being and appreciating, rather than restlessly seeking to articulate a purpose.
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