# Conclusion explained — Penguin Island

> Chapter companion for Penguin Island by Anatole France.

## What happens

The Penguin Republic celebrates its survival with a grand holiday, while the aftermath of the conspiracy unfolds: Prince des Boscénos is arrested for sedition, Father Agaric's complicity is exposed leading to anti-monastic laws, and the monk Cornemuse suffers the consequences of the failed plot.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Corruption and Oligarchy

Agaric's plotting and the government's celebratory facade highlight the corrupt and self-serving nature of political power.

### Hypocrisy of Morality and Sexuality

The monks' involvement in political intrigue and their subsequent persecution reveal the hypocrisy of religious moral authority.

## Character check-ins

### Father Agaric

Endures the new laws and plans new political designs; visits the Wood of Conils to speak with Cornemuse.

### Father Cornemuse

Suffers from the closure of his laboratory and is forced to enter through a window; blames Agaric for the failure.

### Prince des Boscénos

Arrested after shouting 'Death to the Republicans!' during the celebration.

### President Formose

Presides over the anniversary ceremony of the Republic.

### Chatillon

Mentioned as a fool who drowned in his own ineptitude; his case is carried on by the magistrates.

## Key lines

> Delivered from its fears and pleased at having escaped from so great a danger, the government resolved to celebrate the anniversary of the Penguin regeneration and the establishment of the Republic by holding a general holiday.

Relieved to have survived the threat, the government decided to hold a public holiday to mark the anniversary of the Republic's founding.

_Opening of the chapter, setting the celebratory tone._

> The prince approached the Minister’s carriage and said in a loud voice: 'Death to the Republicans!' He was immediately apprehended by the police, to whom he offered a most desperate resistance.

Prince des Boscénos shouted 'Death to the Republicans!' at the Minister's carriage and was arrested after a violent struggle.

_Illustrates the lingering monarchist opposition._

> I told you so, Brother Agaric; I told you that your enterprise would turn against ourselves.

Cornemuse reminds Agaric that he warned him the plot would backfire.

_Shows the blame and regret among the conspirators._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/penguin_island_se/chapters/vii-conclusion
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/penguin_island_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/penguin_island_se/chapters