A Banquet with the Prince of Transylvania explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Power and Corruption

  Kemeny's gluttonous indulgence and dismissive attitude toward state affairs reflect the corrupting influence of power.

• Pride and Fall

  Kemeny's arrogant mockery of Apafi's claim foreshadows his own downfall, as he underestimates his rival.

• Political Intrigue

  The banquet is disrupted by news of a political coup, highlighting the volatile power struggles in Transylvania.

Characters to notice

• John Kemeny

  The reigning Prince, indulging in a sumptuous feast, dismisses the news of Apafi's proclamation with contemptuous humor.

• Denis Banfi

  A haughty nobleman and competitor in the drinking wager, he dismisses Apafi as a distant, mad relation.

• Paul Beldi

  Captain-General of the Szeklers, participates in the drinking challenge with calm composure.

• Lady Banfi

  Banfi's young, timid wife, who turns pale upon hearing the news of Apafi's proclamation.

• Lady Beldi

  Beldi's wife, a dazzling beauty dressed provocatively, scandalizing some guests.

• Gabriel Haller

  Captain of the guard, brings the urgent news of Apafi's proclamation to the Prince.

• Wenzinger

  Leader of German mercenaries, offers to disperse Apafi's forces but is told to sit down and drink.

Key passages

• “Meanwhile, his Highness, Prince John Kemeny, was faring sumptuously at Hermannstadt.”

  While all this was happening, Prince John Kemeny was enjoying a lavish feast in Hermannstadt.

  Sets the scene for the chapter.

• “This gentleman’s darling vice was gluttony—even if the whole machinery of state were to fall to pieces in consequence, he would not have risen from table.”

  Kemeny's favorite flaw was overeating; he would not leave the table even if the government collapsed.

  Highlights Kemeny's character flaw.

• “The head cook is scarcely able to force his way through the gaping mob of petitioners assembled here, who must wait till the Prince has dined, and are regaled in the meantime with wine, roast meats, and pastry, getting in short everything but what they came for—justice.”

  The cook struggles to get through the crowd of people waiting to see the Prince, who are fed and given wine but receive no justice.

  Shows the neglect of duties.

• ““Who is the individual? Does anyone know him? Has anybody ever heard of him?””

  Kemeny asks mockingly if anyone knows who Apafi is.

  Kemeny's contempt for Apafi.

• ““The poor devil is, I believe, a very distant connection of mine. He has married some relation or other of my wife’s. He was for a long time a slave among the Tartars, and the Turks (being wroth with us just now) have no doubt only released him on condition that he allows himself to be made Prince. He must be clean out of his senses.””

  Banfi dismisses Apafi as a distant relative who was a Tartar slave and is now being used by the Turks; he thinks Apafi is insane.

  Banfi's dismissive attitude.

• ““Well, we’ll go and inaugurate him,” said Kemeny sarcastically, throwing back his head.”

  Kemeny sarcastically says they will go and crown Apafi.

  Sarcasm and mockery.