Rotterdam is the destination Ursus imagines for a new beginning after the troupe’s departure from London. Named as a city in Holland at the mouth of the Meuse, it gives the voyage a concrete endpoint, though the scene records the ship setting out, not reaching the city.

Setting and Identification

Ursus describes Rotterdam as a city in Holland, at the mouth of the Meuse. The novel supplies this as part of his spoken reassurance to Dea, as well as the geographical destination on the travelers’ planned route.

The Projected Journey

As the vessel moves away from its wharf and into the Thames, Ursus looks ahead to the itinerary: Gravesend at dawn, then Rotterdam the following evening. He expects the ship to make a good passage and imagines beginning again in his van, with Homo beside him. The departure is dated April 30, and Rotterdam represents the next stage of that intended journey; no arrival is shown here.

A Promise of Renewal

Ursus invokes Rotterdam while trying to steady Dea, first presenting the city and the journey there as reasons for her to rest. He repeats the destination when she speaks of the separation she feels from him and her closeness to Gwynplaine. His insistence turns the place name into a promise of continued care and a future beyond London, even as the scene leaves that future uncertain.