The Avenger · Chapter
Bhag explained
Michael Brixan meets Sir Gregory Penne's trained orangutan, Bhag, who demonstrates remarkable intelligence and obedience.
What happens
Michael Brixan meets Sir Gregory Penne's trained orangutan, Bhag, who demonstrates remarkable intelligence and obedience. Penne boasts of Bhag's loyalty and protective abilities. Later, during a film shoot at Penne's estate, Penne attempts to persuade Adele Leamington to dine with him, but she refuses. Michael rebuffs Penne's request to bring her, and the chapter ends with Michael observing Penne and Foss together, and shuddering at the sight of Bhag in the library window.
Themes in this chapter
The Macabre and Grotesque
Bhag is described as a monstrous, human-like ape that inspires both fear and awe, embodying the grotesque through its physicality and obedient menace.
Deception and Appearances
Penne's outward charm and apology to Adele mask his predatory intentions, while Bhag's gentle obedience conceals its potential for violence.
Characters to notice
- Mike Brixan
Michael is introduced to Bhag, the orangutan, and is awestruck by its human-like behavior. He later defends Adele's autonomy by refusing to pressure her into dining with Penne.
- Sir Gregory Penne
Penne demonstrates his control over Bhag, uses the ape as a shield, and attempts to manipulate Adele into a private dinner. He shows a mix of charm and menace.
- Adele Leamington
Adele performs well in the film scene, but is angered by Michael's presumed acceptance of Penne's dinner invitation. She firmly rejects Penne's advances.
- Jack Knebworth
Jack is pleased with Adele's performance and dismisses Reggie Connolly's complaints about his role in the film.
- Reggie Connolly
Reggie complains to Jack Knebworth about not getting enough screen time, but is rebuffed.
- Lawley Foss
Foss is seen talking with Penne after the film crew departs, suggesting he stayed behind for a private conversation.
Key passages
“The great ape held out his hand, and for a second Michael’s was held in its velvet palm. This done, he lifted his paw to his nose and sniffed loudly, the only sound he made.”
Bhag shook Michael's hand and then sniffed his own palm, memorizing Michael's scent.
Demonstrates Bhag's animalistic yet intelligent method of identifying people.
“Do you know what would have happened if I’d said ‘This man is my enemy?’ He would have torn you limb from limb.”
Penne warns that Bhag would kill anyone he designates as an enemy.
Highlights the danger Bhag poses and Penne's control over it.
“I’ll give you a company of your own if you want it, and the best car that money can buy.”
Penne offers Adele lavish gifts in exchange for her company.
Shows Penne's attempt to buy Adele's favor and his obsessive pursuit of her.