# Chapter X explained — Hadrian the Seventh

> Chapter companion for Hadrian the Seventh by Frederick Rolfe.

## What happens

Hadrian issues the 'Epistle to the English,' praising the English race and addressing Catholics' worldly competition and historical disadvantages. He ordains the admission of married Anglican clergy to the priesthood under conditions and commands the retention of national rites. The Archsocialists react with fury and infighting, while Jerry Sant reveals he knew the Pope. Semphill and Carvale urge Hadrian to honor Mary Queen of Scots, but Hadrian chooses reconciliation over provocation, though he agrees to raise her to the altars of Scotland.

## Themes in this chapter

### Religion and Hypocrisy

Hadrian criticizes Catholics for worldly competition and hypocrisy, warning clergy against being 'men of the world' and condemning the conscience that haggles with temptation.

### Class and Social Inequality

Hadrian notes the corporeal and intellectual inferiority of Catholic aborigines due to historical Penal Laws, and praises the quiet decency of the common English people.

### Identity and Self-Perception

Hadrian addresses the English race's self-image, affirming its solid worth and tenacity, while also defining the proper identity of Catholics as 'strangers' in the world.

## Character check-ins

### Hadrian VII

Issues the 'Epistle to the English,' praises the English race, addresses Catholic defects, ordains married Anglican clergy rules, and decides on the matter of Mary Queen of Scots.

### George Semphill

Argues with Carvale for the imposition of the Proper Office of Mary Queen of Scots on England, presenting historical claims.

### Cardinal Carvale

Supports Semphill's plea for Mary Queen of Scots, expressing emotional attachment to the Stewarts.

### Jerry Sant

A socialist delegate from the north who reveals he used to know the Pope, causing a stir among the Archsocialists.

### Comrade Pete Quillet

Involved in a violent fight at a socialist congress, biting off part of Comrade Bill Meggin's ear.

## Key lines

> Oh, really, I don’t know whether I’m sleeping or waking.

Semphill expresses bewilderment and awe after leaving Hadrian's presence.

_Reflects the transformative impact of Hadrian's decisions on the cardinals._

> Is that what You wish me to do in this case?

Hadrian, alone, questions God about the course of action He has taken.

_Shows Hadrian's personal struggle and reliance on divine guidance._

> The Pope was not a Penrhyn, against whose liberty they could invoke the laws at which otherwise they girded: He was to them something immense, intangible, potent, detestable—and most desirable.

The socialists view the Pope as a powerful and desirable figure they cannot legally attack, unlike a mortal industrialist.

_Highlights the paradoxical admiration and hatred the socialists feel toward the Pope._

## Links

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