Study Guide

A Canticle for Leibowitz Chapter 5

By Walter M. Miller, Jr.

Chapter 5

Francis returns to finish his Lenten vigil. Different spot; same weaksauce desert hangout.
He's mystified at the whole situation, wondering why everyone is so excited about the old wanderer and not the new Memorabilia.
Thinking on his past, Francis remembers that he only ever wanted to "devour such knowledge" (5.6)—to get himself an education.
The reason he signed up for monkhood was that the Church was the only name in the education game. So his choices were either become a monk or become a warrior. And that meant to die young.
Francis keeps thinking deep thoughts for a while.
After his vigil ends, Francis returns to the abbot.
Arkos demands he tell him the old wanderer was not the Blessed Leibowitz. Francis states he cannot say one way or another.
Dissatisfied with this answer, he informs the novice that Francis won't be permitted to profess his vows with the others this year.
Like the class clown who goofs off too much to get his work done, Francis is getting held back a year. Even though all he really did is make a major discovery. Lot of thanks that got 'im.