# I explained — Suspense

> Chapter companion for Suspense by Joseph Conrad.

## What happens

Cosmo and Attilio share a moment of reflection on fate and the stars, discussing Napoleon's belief in his own star. Attilio reveals his background as a revolutionary and his connection to Cantelucci. Cosmo is later captured by the sbirri and taken to a guardroom, where he worries about the dangerous papers hidden in his hat.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fate and Destiny

Cosmo and Attilio discuss the influence of stars on meetings and partings, and Cosmo reflects on the loneliness of those marked by fate.

### Political Intrigue and the Napoleonic Era

Attilio is a revolutionary involved in secret societies, and Napoleon's presence and influence are felt as a third party in conversations.

### Identity and Displacement

Cosmo, an Englishman in Genoa, finds himself in a precarious situation, hiding from the police and uncertain of his place.

## Character check-ins

### Cosmo Latham

Reflects on fate and loneliness, is captured by the sbirri and taken to the guardroom, worried about the papers in his hat.

### Attilio

A revolutionary with ties to Cantelucci, discusses fate with Cosmo, and is being pursued by the police.

### Signor Cantelucci

Mentioned as Attilio's relation and the innkeeper who believes in equality.

### Cecchina

Attilio's love interest, whom he went to say goodbye to before being ambushed.

### Barbone

The stupid police officer who led the party that ambushed Attilio.

### Napoleon

Referenced as the man who believes he has his own star, and is close by.

## Key lines

> But I believe there is a man greater than you or I who believes he has a star of his own.

Cosmo suggests that Napoleon believes he is guided by his own destiny.

_Highlights the theme of fate and Napoleon's self-perception._

> Their stars may be lonely. Look how still they are. But men are more like ships that come suddenly upon each other without a warning.

Attilio reflects that while stars are isolated, people meet unexpectedly, like ships at sea.

_Contrasts the loneliness of great figures with the unpredictable nature of human encounters._

> I am in for it. What a horrible nuisance! I wonder whether they will search me?

Cosmo realizes he is in trouble and worries about the incriminating papers in his hat.

_Shows Cosmo's immediate concern about the dangerous documents he carries._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/suspense_se/chapters/part-iv-i
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/suspense_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/suspense_se/chapters