# XIX explained — Hadrian the Seventh

> Chapter companion for Hadrian the Seventh by Frederick Rolfe.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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