Continental Op Stories · Chapter
XII: The Night Before explained
The Continental Op spends the evening with Einarson and Grantham, observing Einarson's leadership and revolutionary plans.
What happens
The Continental Op spends the evening with Einarson and Grantham, observing Einarson's leadership and revolutionary plans. He later visits Romaine, who is giddy with excitement about the upcoming revolution, before returning to his hotel to prepare for the morning's events.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Power
Einarson's leadership and the revolution's aim to seize government power are central to the chapter.
Loyalty and Betrayal
The Op's role as a guard for Grantham and his assessment of Einarson's trustworthiness highlight themes of loyalty.
Characters to notice
- The Continental Op
Studies Einarson's weaknesses, visits Romaine, and prepares for the revolution.
- Colonel Einarson
Outlines the revolution plans; the Op assesses his physical and mental strengths and flaws.
- Lionel Grantham
Nervous and fidgety about the revolution; sent to bed by the Op.
- Romaine Frankl
Excited and affectionate; plans to go to the prison in case of trouble.
Key passages
“He could put the revolution over, I thought, and I was willing to leave it to him.”
The Op believes Einarson is capable of leading the revolution and is content to let him handle it.
Reflects the Op's confidence in Einarson's abilities despite his reservations.
“She was like a child the night before a picnic.”
Romaine was giddy and restless with excitement.
Describes Romaine's playful and anxious mood before the revolution.