# IX explained — Hadrian the Seventh

> Chapter companion for Hadrian the Seventh by Frederick Rolfe.

## What happens

Hadrian reflects on his role as Pope, his disdain for religious indifference, and his admiration for Julius Caesar's relentless work ethic. He addresses the crisis in France and Russia, deposing French cardinals and appointing them as Apostolic Missionaries. He also interacts with a socialist goldsmith, commissions a new crucifix, and gains international attention through his unconventional actions, including a physical altercation with a socialist.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Corruption

Hadrian wields papal authority decisively, deposing French cardinals and redirecting church resources, while critiquing the corruption of organized charity.

### Art and Creativity

Hadrian commissions a new crucifix combining classical sculptures, reflecting his deep appreciation for beauty and artistic expression.

### Class and Social Inequality

Hadrian's encounter with the starving socialist highlights the failures of organized charity and the plight of the poor.

## Character check-ins

### Hadrian VII

Reflects on his role, addresses the French crisis, commissions a crucifix, and gains international attention.

### Cardinal Sterling

Hadrian speaks to him about working while day lasts.

### Cardinal Carvale

Brings Hadrian his spare spectacles after the Borgo Nuovo incident.

### Dom Jaime de Bourbon

Mentioned as having perished.

### Sultan Ismail

Mentioned as failing to win Morocco and intriguing for an alliance with England.

### Comrade Frank Conollan

Implied as the socialist who spat at Hadrian and was subsequently invited to the Vatican.

## Key lines

> Strip; and obey those

Hadrian advocates for a radical simplification of religious practice, urging followers to shed worldly attachments and submit to authority.

_Reflects Hadrian's direct and uncompromising approach to reform._

> The night cometh when no man can work.

Hadrian acknowledges the urgency of his mission, emphasizing the need to act while there is still time.

_Shows Hadrian's sense of purpose and mortality._

> He would not fiddle-faddle with human doctrines or empirical experiments.

Hadrian dismisses theological minutiae and experimental reforms in favor of clear, decisive action.

_Highlights his disdain for intellectualism and preference for practical solutions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hadrian_the_seventh_se/chapters/ix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hadrian_the_seventh_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hadrian_the_seventh_se/chapters