Savrola · Chapter
The Progress of the Revolt explained
President Molara and his followers navigate through a city on the brink of revolution.
What happens
President Molara and his followers navigate through a city on the brink of revolution. Barricades are being built, and the revolt erupts across the city. Molara, driven by hatred for Savrola, organizes a small loyalist force to march on the Mayoralty at dawn. The troops advance, capture a barricade, but face increasing resistance and are eventually checked. Miguel secretly attempts to hedge his bets. A telegram brings news of a loyalist victory elsewhere, but a false rebel placard undermines morale. The chapter ends with the President's desperate plan to decapitate the rebellion.
Themes in this chapter
Revolution and the Struggle for Power
The revolt spreads across the city, and both sides prepare for a decisive confrontation; the President's force marches to crush the rebellion.
Betrayal and Loyalty
Louvet abandons Molara, and Miguel secretly tries to switch sides, while the loyalist troops and officers remain faithful.
Honor, Courage, and Cowardice
Molara exposes himself bravely, while Louvet and Miguel display cowardice or self-preservation; the soldiers show courage in a desperate venture.
Characters to notice
- President Antonio Molara
Leads the loyalist force through the city, driven by hatred of Savrola; organizes the dawn attack and exposes himself to danger.
- Miguel
The Secretary, realizing the revolt is succeeding, secretly attempts to send a message to the Mayoralty while pretending to write military orders.
- Colonel Sorrento
Commands the left flank during the advance and brings news of the artillery battery's surrender.
- Lieutenant Tiro
Aide-de-camp to Molara, assists in the fighting and observes Miguel's suspicious behavior.
- Señor Louvet
Sends a cowardly note to Molara, excusing himself from the fight due to a relative's illness; Molara dismisses him as useless.
- Savrola
The revolutionary leader, not physically present but referenced as the target of Molara's hatred; his proclamation and tactics are described.
- Strelitz
Reported as a prisoner after being repulsed at Black Gorge, but later appears in a false placard claiming victory.
- Colonel Brienz
Sends a telegram from near Lorenzo reporting a victory over rebel forces and the capture of Strelitz.
Key passages
“The barricade, which was being built outside Savrola’s house, had convinced Molara that a rising was imminent”
Molara realized a rebellion was about to start when he saw the barricade being constructed near Savrola's home.
Shows the trigger for Molara's awareness of the revolt.
“He had never put the slightest faith in Louvet’s courage, having always realised that in a crisis he would be useless and a coward.”
Molara always knew Louvet was a coward and would be of no help in a crisis.
Highlights the theme of cowardice and Molara's cynical assessment of his allies.
“The octopus of Rebellion, Gentlemen, has long arms. It will be necessary to cut off his head.”
The rebellion is widespread, so we must strike at its leader to end it.
Molara's metaphor for the need to decapitate the revolt by targeting Savrola.
