Greenmantle · Chapter
The Companions of the Rosy Hours explained
Hannay and Peter Pienaar find themselves in Constantinople, hunted by the authorities and a hostile mob.
What happens
Hannay and Peter Pienaar find themselves in Constantinople, hunted by the authorities and a hostile mob. They take refuge in Kuprasso's low saloon, where they witness a terrifying performance by the 'Companions of the Rosy Hours'—a group of dancers who evoke primal fear. The spell is broken when Enver's bodyguards arrive, arresting the pair. They are taken to a building, expecting imprisonment, but instead find themselves in a pleasant room, uncertain of their fate. The chapter ends with their capture and the collapse of their plan to meet Blenkiron.
Themes in this chapter
The Chaos of War
The mob attack and the surreal, terrifying dance of the Companions of the Rosy Hours embody the unpredictable and nightmarish chaos of wartime Constantinople.
Deception and Disguise
Hannay and Peter are mistaken for German spies (Boches) by the mob, and later captured despite their attempts to blend in; the theme of mistaken identity and hidden agendas pervades.
Fate and Providence
Hannay reflects on 'Kismet' (fate) when captured, accepting their capture as an act of God, highlighting a fatalistic resignation.
Characters to notice
- Richard Hannay
Narrator and protagonist; reflects on his fears of mob violence and the surreal danger of the Companions of the Rosy Hours; captured by Enver's bodyguards.
- Peter Pienaar
Hannay's companion; fires a pistol to hold off the mob; prays audibly during the dance; captured alongside Hannay.
- Rasta Bey
Implied to have incited the mob against Hannay and Peter; his voice is heard in the crowd before the attack.
- Mr. Kuprasso
Owner of the saloon; wails and weeps when the bodyguards arrive; identifies Hannay and Peter to the sergeant.
- Enver Pasha
His bodyguards are the ones who arrest Hannay and Peter; mentioned as the authority behind the guards.
- John S. Blenkiron
Mentioned as the intended contact for the assignation on January 17; Hannay regrets not being able to meet him.
Key passages
“Every man has one special funk in the back of his head, and mine was to be the quarry of an angry crowd.”
Hannay admits his deepest fear is being hunted by a mob.
Reveals Hannay's personal dread and sets the tone for the chapter's tension.
“I suddenly felt the dancers as monstrous, inhuman, devilish.”
Hannay perceives the performers as evil and otherworldly.
Highlights the supernatural horror of the Companions of the Rosy Hours.
“It was Kismet, the act of God, and there was nothing for it but to submit.”
Hannay accepts their capture as inevitable fate.
Illustrates the theme of fatalism and resignation.