The Arrow of Gold · Chapter
IV explained
The narrator leaves the house with Mills, feeling committed to a secret enterprise.
What happens
The narrator leaves the house with Mills, feeling committed to a secret enterprise. He begins keeping notes in little black books, reflecting on his changed state. He parts with Mills, who is focused on the Legitimist Principle, while the narrator asserts his own independent choice. Late that night, he seeks out Dominic, a Mediterranean sailor with a shadowy past, and they plan to purchase a fast balancelle for the enterprise. A fortnight later, the narrator visits Doña Rita at the Prado, where they discuss the plans and she expresses a wish to meet Dominic.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Self-Discovery
The narrator feels a new sense of personality and independence, asserting his own choice apart from the Legitimist Principle.
Political Intrigue and Idealism
The enterprise is tied to the Legitimist cause, with the narrator and others involved in a risky political adventure.
Fate and Chance
The narrator's encounter with Doña Rita and the decision to join the enterprise feel like a turning point, with elements of chance and destiny.
Characters to notice
- George
The narrator, now committed to a secret enterprise, begins keeping a diary and feels a new sense of independence.
- Mills
Accompanies the narrator, but is more focused on the Legitimist Principle; they agree to avoid being seen together.
- Dominic
A Mediterranean sailor with experience in unlawful activities; the narrator recruits him for the enterprise.
- Doña Rita
Meets with the narrator at the Prado, showing interest in the plans and a desire to meet Dominic.
- Madame Léonore
The café owner and Dominic's love, who observes the narrator's changed demeanor.
Key passages
“I left that house committed to an enterprise that could not be talked about; which would have appeared to many senseless and perhaps ridiculous, but was certainly full of risks, and, apart from that, commanded discretion on the ground of simple loyalty.”
I left the house bound to a secret, risky venture that might seem foolish to others, but required loyalty and discretion.
The narrator reflects on his commitment to the secret enterprise.
“Woman and the sea revealed themselves to me together, as it were: two mistresses of life’s values.”
The sea and Doña Rita both became significant to me at the same time, like two great influences on my life.
The narrator connects his love for the sea with his growing fascination with Doña Rita.
“I was Dominic’s Signorino. She knew me by no other; and our connection has always been somewhat of a riddle to her.”
Madame Léonore only knew me as Dominic's Signorino, and she found our relationship puzzling.
The narrator describes his nickname and the mystery surrounding his connection with Dominic.