The conclusion of the novel and of this series. Why a stage? Is it actors we are? Or is this stages as in "egg stage; larval stage; chrysalis stage; imago stage"? Journeys home - the nature of "home" - where is that place, anyway?

"Not in entire forgetfulness,
          And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come 
               From God, who is our home..."

Wordsworth writes.

Perhaps he is correct.

Were all the adventures in order to get there? Were all the prophecies for the sole benefit of getting us there? "Surely you don’t disbelieve the prophecies, because you had a hand in bringing them about yourself? You don’t really suppose, do you, that all your adventures and escapes were managed by mere luck, just for your sole benefit?"

Perhaps we don't. Perhaps we have to remember that they were for other reasons to. And if the way to get home is to remember that we are a very fine person, but "are only quite a little fellow in a wide world after all!" then perhaps that is for the best.