Hadrian the Seventh · Chapter
XIX explained
Hadrian faces a blackmail attempt from Jerry Sant and Mrs.
What happens
Hadrian faces a blackmail attempt from Jerry Sant and Mrs. Crowe, who demand money in exchange for silence about alleged scandals. The Pope refuses to pay, offering instead a chance for reform. After they leave, cardinals debate the potential damage to the papacy's reputation, with some questioning Hadrian's mysterious past.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Corruption
Jerry Sant and Mrs. Crowe attempt to exploit Hadrian's position for financial gain, revealing the corrupting influence of power and the use of blackmail.
Religion and Hypocrisy
The press and public conflate Hadrian's past with his papal role, while Mrs. Crowe's allegations highlight perceived hypocrisy in religious leadership.
Identity and Self-Perception
Hadrian struggles to separate his human past from his apostolic identity, as cardinals question the mystery surrounding his character.
Characters to notice
- Hadrian VII
Refuses to pay blackmail, offers Sant a chance to reform, and dismisses the cardinals' concerns with disdain.
- Jerry Sant
Attempts to blackmail Hadrian for forty thousand pounds, becomes enraged when refused, and threatens further public exposure.
- Mrs. Crowe
Accuses Hadrian of secret debauchery, alleging a clandestine tea meeting with women, and supports Sant's blackmail attempt.
- Mariano Ragna
Furious at the blackmailers, urges Hadrian to have them arrested and shot, but is overruled.
- Cardinal Talacryn
Suggests paying for silence or using his own methods to silence the blackmailers, but is rebuked by Hadrian.
- Cardinal Leighton
Expresses pity and sadness over the scandal, foreseeing further attacks.
Key passages
“You demand that We should pay you forty thousand pounds in reparation for damage which, you say, We have caused.”
Hadrian restates Sant's demand for forty thousand pounds as compensation for alleged harm.
Highlights the blackmail attempt and Hadrian's refusal to capitulate.
“We look upon you as a deeply injured man, injured by himself. You have been your own enemy.”
Hadrian tells Sant that he is responsible for his own misfortunes.
Shows Hadrian's attempt to offer moral guidance instead of payment.
“Fancy paying for silence!”
Hadrian scoffs at the idea of bribing the blackmailers to keep quiet.
Demonstrates Hadrian's principled stance against corruption.