Savrola · Chapter
On Constitutional Grounds explained
Savrola decides to attend the State Ball despite having declined the invitation, rationalizing it as a constitutional duty.
What happens
Savrola decides to attend the State Ball despite having declined the invitation, rationalizing it as a constitutional duty. Moret vehemently opposes the decision, fearing it will alienate the party and the Trade-Unions. Savrola reflects on his motives, the undercurrent of revolutionary forces, and his role as a leader. He prepares a speech for a public meeting, demonstrating his oratorical skill and philosophical detachment.
Themes in this chapter
Love Versus Ambition
Savrola's decision to attend the ball is influenced by Lucile's note, though he rationalizes it with political arguments, highlighting the tension between personal attraction and political strategy.
The Power and Volatility of the Crowd
Savrola reflects on the masses as a latent force that he both leads and fears, acknowledging that the agitation may be beyond his control, symbolized by the distant roar of the multitude.
Fate, Chance, and Human Agency
Savrola contemplates the inscrutable future and his own agency, questioning whether he is master or slave of the political forces he has helped unleash.
Characters to notice
- Savrola
Decides to attend the State Ball against his party's wishes, rationalizing it as a constitutional duty. Reflects on his leadership, the unknown forces of the League, and his philosophical outlook on life.
- Moret
Opposes Savrola's decision to attend the ball, arguing it will harm the party's image and provoke the Trade-Unions. He is highly emotional and eventually yields to Savrola's persuasion.
- Lucile
Sends a note with the second invitation to the State Ball, which Savrola interprets as a possible appeal for help, influencing his decision to attend.
- Karl Kreutze
Mentioned as the leader of the secret League, which Savrola views as an unknown and potentially uncontrollable force within the party.
- Strelitz
Mentioned as a potential ally who might cross the frontier with followers if the party appears lukewarm, adding to the political tension.
Key passages
“It is hard, if not impossible, to snub a beautiful woman; they remain beautiful and the rebuke recoils.”
Rebuffing a beautiful woman is nearly impossible because her beauty neutralizes the insult, turning it back on the one who delivers it.
Savrola reflects on Lucile's confidence in her charms when she sent the invitation.
“They will feel they are dancing on a volcano; only a mile from the palace will be the people, massed, agreed, determined.”
The ball attendees will sense the danger of the nearby crowd, which is united and resolute, just a mile from the palace.
Moret describes the political tension and the proximity of the revolutionary crowd to the State Ball.
“I am troubled in my mind. There is an undercurrent of agitation, the force of which I cannot gauge.”
I feel uneasy because there is a hidden movement of unrest whose strength I cannot measure.
Savrola confides in Moret about his concerns over uncontrollable revolutionary forces.