Greenmantle · Chapter
A Mission Is Proposed explained
Major Richard Hannay, convalescing after the Battle of Loos, is summoned to London by Sir Walter Bullivant of the Foreign Office.
What happens
Major Richard Hannay, convalescing after the Battle of Loos, is summoned to London by Sir Walter Bullivant of the Foreign Office. Sir Walter reveals a German plot to incite a Muslim holy war by sending a mysterious 'star' or revelation from the West to the East. Despite Hannay's protests that he lacks the necessary experience, Sir Walter insists he is the right man for the dangerous mission to uncover the secret. Hannay ultimately accepts, and Sir Walter gives him a cryptic clue—three words: 'Kasredin,' 'cancer,' and 'v. I'—the last remnant from Sir Walter's son, Harry Bullivant, who died obtaining it.
Themes in this chapter
Patriotism and Duty
Hannay grapples with his sense of duty to his country, ultimately accepting a perilous mission despite personal misgivings.
Adventure and Espionage
The chapter sets up a classic espionage plot with a cryptic clue, a secret mission behind enemy lines, and high stakes.
Fate and Providence
Hannay feels a higher calling beyond orders, describing his decision as crossing a Rubicon, suggesting an inexorable fate.
Characters to notice
- Richard Hannay
The protagonist, a Major in the New Army, convalescing after Loos, who is recruited for a secret mission.
- Sandy Arbuthnot
Hannay's fellow officer and friend, convalescing with him at Furling, who jokes about the summons.
- Sir Walter Bullivant
A high-ranking Foreign Office official who proposes the dangerous mission to Hannay and reveals the cryptic clue.
- Harry Bullivant
Sir Walter's son, a deceased agent who obtained the clue 'Kasredin, cancer, v. I' before dying.
Key passages
“I know it is the fashion in this country if a man has a special knowledge to set him to some job exactly the opposite.”
Hannay complains that the British authorities typically assign a person to a task opposite to their expertise.
Hannay expresses frustration at being chosen for a mission he feels unqualified for.
“It is life and death... The stakes are no less than victory and defeat, Hannay.”
Sir Walter emphasizes the mission's critical importance, saying it could determine the outcome of the war.
Sir Walter underscores the gravity of the mission to convince Hannay.
“I may be sending you to your death, Hannay—Good God, what a damned taskmistress duty is!”
Sir Walter acknowledges the deadly risk of the mission, lamenting the harsh demands of duty.
Sir Walter shows his personal anguish over sending Hannay into danger.