Short Fiction · Chapter
Lionizing explained
The narrator, Robert Jones, recounts his rise to fame in Fum-Fudge through the study of Nosology (the science of noses).
What happens
The narrator, Robert Jones, recounts his rise to fame in Fum-Fudge through the study of Nosology (the science of noses). After his father kicks him out, he follows his nose, writes a pamphlet, sells a portrait of his nose for a thousand pounds, and becomes a celebrated lion in society. However, after shooting off the nose of the Elector of Bluddennuff in a duel, he learns that his rival, now noseless, has become the greater hero.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Pride
The narrator's relentless pursuit of fame through his nose and his pride in his Nosology expertise drive the plot, ultimately leading to his downfall.
Beauty and the Sublime
The nose is treated as an object of beauty and virtu, with the artist and Duchess admiring it, reflecting society's obsession with the sublime in the grotesque.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The narrator, Robert Jones, is the protagonist who rises to fame through his nose and Nosology.
- Prince Prospero
Mentioned as the Prince of Wales who invites the narrator to dinner.
Key passages
“The first action of my life was the taking hold of my nose with both hands. My mother saw this and called me a genius—my father wept for joy and presented me with a treatise on Nosology.”
From infancy, the narrator grabbed his nose, leading his parents to declare him a genius and give him a book on the science of noses.
Establishes the absurd foundation of the narrator's life and career.
“I determined to follow my nose. I gave it a pull or two upon the spot, and wrote a pamphlet on Nosology forthwith. All Fum-Fudge was in an uproar.”
He decided to literally follow his nose, wrote a pamphlet, and instantly became the talk of the town.
Highlights the satirical speed of fame and the public's gullibility.
“At Chalk-Farm, the next morning, I shot off his nose—and then called upon my friends. 'Bête!' said the first. 'Fool!' said the second. 'Dolt!' said the third. 'Ass!' said the fourth. 'Ninny!' said the fifth. 'Noodle!' said the sixth. 'Be off!' said the seventh.”
After dueling and shooting off Bluddennuff's nose, the narrator's friends insult him and tell him to leave.
Shows the reversal of fortune and the fickleness of social approval.