Hadrian the Seventh · Chapter
XVIII explained
Hadrian reflects on his priorities, placing England first, and struggles with his isolation and despair.
What happens
Hadrian reflects on his priorities, placing England first, and struggles with his isolation and despair. He receives a copy of the Catholic Hour containing attacks on his past as George Arthur Rose. Cardinal Leighton visits, and Hadrian reveals his knowledge of the letter writers. He then turns his thoughts to England, feeling a patriotic duty to serve her, and takes actions including ordering a mass for Queen Victoria and sending the Golden Rose to her tomb.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Artistic Struggle
Hadrian's profound loneliness and despair are evident as he contemplates suicide and feels horror among the articulate masses.
Identity and Self-Perception
Hadrian grapples with his dual identity as both the Pope and the former George Arthur Rose, facing public attacks on his past.
Religion and Hypocrisy
The Catholic Hour's attack and the letters reveal hypocrisy within religious circles, including a corrupt priest and a Jesuit jackal.
Characters to notice
- Hadrian VII
Struggles with despair and isolation, reads the Catholic Hour attack, reveals his knowledge of the letter writers, and resolves to serve England.
- Cardinal Leighton
Brings the Catholic Hour to Hadrian, questions him about the letters, and pledges eternal fidelity.
- George Arthur Rose
Referenced as the target of the Catholic Hour attack, with letters defending and condemning him.
Key passages
“Italy was not first in the heart of Hadrian. She was third. He served Her, because He saw Her instant need. The second of His loved lands did not know Herself to be in need of Him: hence, He offered Her no more than courtesy. He did not want America to tell Him not to monkey with the buzz-saw. And England was first.”
Hadrian prioritizes England above Italy and America, feeling a duty to serve Italy due to its immediate need, but reserving his deepest loyalty for England.
Reveals Hadrian's patriotic hierarchy and his sense of mission.
“He frequently wondered what prevented Him from hurling Himself from the windows on to the stones of Rome. He actually sent for a case of safety-razors, and banished knives from the pontifical apartments.”
Hadrian is so despairing that he contemplates suicide and takes precautions to remove sharp objects from his rooms.
Highlights Hadrian's intense psychological struggle and isolation.
“The Catholic Hour 'differs from him.' … A tipsy publican wrote the second; and the third was written by a Jesuit jackal, in return for the custom of, and most likely at the dictation of, the very detestable scoundrel to whom We wrote the last.”
Hadrian identifies the authors of the letters attacking him, showing his deep knowledge of his detractors.
Demonstrates Hadrian's omniscience and his contempt for his enemies.