On a Chinese Screen · Chapter
XIII: Her Britannic Majesty’s Representative explained
The chapter introduces the British consul, a small, officious man with a bristling demeanor and a talent for condescension.
What happens
The chapter introduces the British consul, a small, officious man with a bristling demeanor and a talent for condescension. Despite his irritating manner, he displays unexpected bravery during a revolution, stepping between a firing squad and three condemned prisoners to secure their release. The narrative highlights the paradox of his character—petty yet courageous.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Moral Compromise
The consul's officious and condescending nature contrasts sharply with his principled stand against barbaric execution, revealing a complex moral character.
Cultural Clash and Misunderstanding
The consul's aggressive assertion of British norms clashes with Chinese revolutionary authority, highlighting mutual incomprehension.
Characters to notice
- The Consul
Described as vain, irritable, bumptious, and tiresome, yet courageous; he confronts a Chinese firing squad to save three prisoners.
- The Officer
Commands the firing squad; rudely dismisses the consul's protest but ultimately yields the prisoners.
Key passages
“He was a man of less than middle height, with stiff brown hair en brosse, a little toothbrush moustache, and glasses through which his blue eyes, looking at you aggressively, were somewhat distorted.”
He was short, with bristly brown hair, a small mustache, and glasses that magnified his aggressive blue eyes.
Physical description emphasizing his pugnacious appearance.
“Then the consul stepped forwards between the levelled rifles and the three miserable men, and told the soldiers to shoot and be damned.”
The consul moved between the aimed rifles and the terrified prisoners, daring the soldiers to fire.
Climactic act of bravery that secures the prisoners' release.