Savrola · Chapter
The Man of the Multitude explained
In the aftermath of the fusillade, the city is filled with dismay and anger.
What happens
In the aftermath of the fusillade, the city is filled with dismay and anger. The Popular Party leaders hold an emergency meeting at the Mayoralty, where they debate futile responses—from armed revolt to legal censure—until Savrola arrives. He calms the assembly with a measured speech, advocating patience and constitutional strategy while hinting at other alternatives. Later, Savrola rebukes Moret for his reckless speech that led to deaths, then returns home to his study, where he reflects on his own ambition and the toll of political struggle.
Themes in this chapter
Revolution and the Struggle for Power
The Popular Party's emergency meeting and Savrola's strategic patience highlight the ongoing struggle for political power and the revolutionary undercurrent.
The Power and Volatility of the Crowd
The city's dismay and the exaggerated effects of the fusillade show the volatile nature of public sentiment, while the police and Republican Guard suppress any crowd action.
Honor, Courage, and Cowardice
Moret's impulsive call for revolt and Savrola's rebuke contrast reckless courage with disciplined patience, while the citizens' acquiescent demeanor suggests cowardice.
Characters to notice
- Savrola
Arrives at the emergency meeting to calm the party, delivers a moderate speech, rebukes Moret for his recklessness, and later returns home to reflect on his ambition and fatigue.
- Moret
Civic Councillor and former editor; speaks at the meeting, is cheered, but later rebuked by Savrola for the deaths caused by his speech.
- Godoy
Old and cautious; opposes Moret's call for armed revolt, advocates a calm and dignified attitude of reproach.
- Renos
Barrister who argues for constitutional methods, proposing a Committee of Public Safety and legal deposition of the President.
- Bettine
Savrola's old housekeeper; opens the door for him, expresses concern for his health, and prepares his meal.
Key passages
“Dismay and bitter anger filled the city. The news of the fusillade spread fast and far, and, as is usual on such occasions, its effects were greatly exaggerated.”
The city was filled with shock and rage as exaggerated reports of the shooting spread rapidly.
Sets the emotional tone of the chapter after the massacre.
“His words were studiously moderate. It had been a disappointment to him, he said, to find that the registers had been mutilated. The ultimate success was deferred, but it was only deferred.”
Savrola spoke calmly, acknowledging the setback but insisting that victory was merely postponed.
Highlights Savrola's strategic composure and leadership.
“He could appreciate the delights of an artist, a life devoted to the search for beauty, or of sport, the keenest pleasure that leaves no sting behind. To live in dreamy quiet and philosophic calm in some beautiful garden, far from the noise of men... was, he felt, a more agreeable picture. And yet he knew that he could not endure it.”
Savrola longed for a peaceful, artistic life but knew his ambitious nature would never allow it.
Reveals Savrola's internal conflict between ambition and desire for tranquility.