# XIV explained — Hadrian the Seventh

> Chapter companion for Hadrian the Seventh by Frederick Rolfe.

## What happens

Hadrian manages the pontifical mail, sorting letters and dictating responses. He then receives the generals of religious orders, delivering admonitions and instructions. He confronts the General of the Jesuits, criticizing the order's departure from its founder's spirit. He also receives a threatening letter from Jerry Sant of the Liblab Fellowship, which he locks away in frustration.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Corruption

Hadrian confronts the Jesuit General, accusing the order of corruption and departure from its founder's spirit, while wielding his papal authority.

### Religion and Hypocrisy

Hadrian criticizes the Jesuits for hypocrisy, noting their evil reputation and deviation from St. Ignatius's rules.

### Isolation and Artistic Struggle

Hadrian's solitary handling of the threatening letter and his internal frustration reflect his isolation and the burden of his role.

## Character check-ins

### Hadrian VII

Sorts and responds to pontifical mail, receives generals of religious orders, and confronts the Jesuit General.

### Sir John

Assists in sorting and opening the pontifical mail.

### Sir Iulo

Assists in sorting and opening the pontifical mail.

### Jerry Sant

Sends a threatening letter to Hadrian on behalf of the Liblab Fellowship.

### Brother Peter Baptist

As Minister-General of Franciscans, receives Hadrian's commendation for Asia and is kissed on the feet by Hadrian.

## Key lines

> Well, what do you make of him?" "Oh he seems earnest enough: but he's hardly got a word to say for himself. And I don't think he's quite a gentleman, you know.

A character is assessed as earnest but lacking in conversational skill and not quite fitting the definition of a gentleman.

_Reflects social judgment and class perception._

> He said that, with the word "Borgia" and the word "Nero," the word "Jesuit" perhaps was the eponym for all that was vilest in the world.

Hadrian equates the name 'Jesuit' with the worst historical villains, Borgia and Nero.

_Highlights Hadrian's harsh critique of the Jesuit order._

## Links

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