# XII: The Night Before explained — Continental Op Stories

> Chapter companion for Continental Op Stories by Dashiell Hammett.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/continental_op_stories_se/chapters/xii-the-night-before
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/continental_op_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/continental_op_stories_se/chapters