Mrs. Humdrum and Dr. Downie Propose a Compromise, Which, After an Amendment by George, Is Carried Nem. Con. explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Hypocrisy and Deception

  The compromise involves swearing false oaths and manipulating truth to avoid public scandal.

• Truth and Perception

  The characters debate whether to conceal or reveal the truth, with George ultimately advocating for full disclosure to the King.

Characters to notice

• Mrs. Humdrum

  Proposes the initial compromise to avoid scandal and rehabilitate truth.

• Dr. Downie

  Supports Mrs. Humdrum's compromise and later endorses George's amendment to tell the King.

• George

  Amends the compromise by insisting on revealing the full truth to the King.

• Professor Hanky

  Reluctantly agrees to sign false depositions and attend the meeting with the King.

• Professor Panky

  Initially hesitant but eventually signs the depositions after receiving his money back.

Key passages

• “We think that the strict course would be to drop the charge of poaching, and Blue-Pool both the Professors and the prisoner without delay.”

  Mrs. Humdrum suggests that legally they should drop the poaching charge and execute both professors and the prisoner.

  She presents the strict legal option but does not recommend it.

• “The prisoner must recant on oath his statement that he is the Sunchild.”

  The prisoner must swear that he is not the Sunchild.

  Part of the compromise to rehabilitate truth.

• “I mean, therefore, on the day following my return from escorting the prisoner, to set out for the capital, see the King, and make a clean breast of the whole matter.”

  George plans to go to the capital and tell the King everything after escorting the prisoner away.

  George's amendment to the compromise.