Penguin Island · Chapter
V: The Prince des Boscénos explained
The Dracophils, led by the pious Agaric, hold public meetings to agitate for Chatillon, culminating in a violent rally in an old cattle market.
What happens
The Dracophils, led by the pious Agaric, hold public meetings to agitate for Chatillon, culminating in a violent rally in an old cattle market. The crowd attacks a Republican speaker, and Count Cléna incites them to slaughter Republicans. After the meeting, a police blockade causes a crush, during which Prince des Boscénos discovers his wife Princess Anne in the arms of Count Cléna. A furious fight ensues, the prince is arrested, and the city erupts in pro-Chatillon demonstrations.
Themes in this chapter
Political Corruption and Oligarchy
The Dracophils' manipulation of public meetings, bribery of the press, and use of a mistress to influence military decisions illustrate corrupt political maneuvering.
Human Folly and Vanity
The crowd's blind enthusiasm for Chatillon, the prince's jealous rage, and the absurd violence at the meeting highlight human irrationality and vanity.
Characters to notice
- Father Agaric
Organizes public meetings to agitate for Chatillon.
- Prince des Boscénos
Attends the meeting, discovers his wife with Count Cléna, and fights violently before being arrested.
- Viscount Cléna
Speaks at the meeting inciting violence, and is caught embracing Princess Anne.
- Chatillon
The Emiral being celebrated; his portrait is sold, and he is involved with Viscountess Olive.
- Vulcanmould
Under-Emiral and old comrade of Chatillon, who visits him with blunt remarks.
- M. de La Trumelle
Present in the audience at the meeting.
- M. Bigourd
Present in the audience and comments on Vulcanmould's indiscretions.
Key passages
“The Dracophils held one or two every day in some of the thirty-six districts of Alca, and preferably in the poorer quarters. They desired to win over the poor, for they are the most numerous.”
The Dracophils held daily meetings in poor districts to gain support from the majority.
Highlights the cynical strategy of courting the poor for political gain.
“Comrades, we are going to see whether you have blood in your veins. What we have got to do is to slaughter, disembowel, and brain all the Republicans.”
Count Cléna calls on the crowd to violently murder all Republicans.
Example of the inflammatory rhetoric used to incite violence.
“Suddenly, in the light of the match, he saw Princess Anne, his wife, clasped in Count Cléna's arms.”
The prince saw his wife embracing Count Cléna when he lit a match.
The moment that triggers the prince's violent outburst.