The Admiral explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Love Versus Ambition

  Savrola prioritizes his personal inclination to attend the ball despite political damage, valuing his private life over party dictates.

• The Power and Volatility of the Crowd

  The press and public opinion turn against Savrola, showing the crowd's fickle nature and its impact on revolutionary leadership.

• Betrayal and Loyalty

  Lucile's decision to spy on Savrola for the President introduces a layer of deception and divided loyalties.

Characters to notice

• Savrola

  Reads critical press with disdain, revises his speech, and refuses to apologize for attending the ball.

• Moret

  Gloomy and despondent over the backlash, but revives after Savrola's confidence and a bottle of claret.

• President Antonio Molara

  Satisfied with Savrola's unpopularity, deals with the African crisis, and orders the fleet to sail.

• Miguel

  Reports on the meeting and opposition plans, and brings despatches to the President.

• Admiral de Mello

  Receives sailing orders for the African port, understands the game of bluff, and remains loyal to the government.

• Lucile

  Feels lonely and seeks excitement, decides to attend Savrola's speech in disguise.

• Colonel Sorrento

  Arranges opposition at the meeting using secret police.

• Señor Louvet

  Hosts an official dinner for the President, known for his terror of Savrola.

Key passages

• “The disapproval which Moret had expressed at Savrola’s determination to go to the State Ball was amply justified by the result.”

  Moret's earlier objections to Savrola attending the ball proved correct, as the backlash was severe.

  Highlights the consequences of Savrola's decision and Moret's foresight.

• “He knew he had been unwise to go: he had known that from the first; and yet somehow he did not regret his mistake.”

  Savrola acknowledged the foolishness of his choice but felt no remorse, valuing the personal experience over political prudence.

  Reveals Savrola's internal conflict between duty and personal desire.

• “It was a game of bluff; the further he could go, the better for the situation at home, but one step too far meant ruin.”

  Molara's foreign policy was a calculated risk, where pushing too hard could lead to disaster.

  Illustrates the delicate balance of power and the stakes of political maneuvering.