The Gadfly · Chapter
IV explained
Arthur struggles with jealousy over Gemma's attention to Bolla, confesses to Father Cardi, and prepares for Easter while Montanelli is appointed to a bishopric and expresses anxiety about Arthur's safety.
What happens
Arthur struggles with jealousy over Gemma's attention to Bolla, confesses to Father Cardi, and prepares for Easter while Montanelli is appointed to a bishopric and expresses anxiety about Arthur's safety.
Themes in this chapter
Religious Hypocrisy and Faith
Arthur's confession and Father Cardi's guidance highlight the tension between personal faith and revolutionary ideals.
Betrayal and Deception
Arthur's jealousy and suspicion toward Bolla reflect internal betrayal of comradeship.
Love and Sacrifice
Arthur's love for Gemma and his dedication to the revolutionary cause create inner conflict.
Characters to notice
- Arthur Burton
Struggles with jealousy and confesses to Father Cardi; prepares for Easter communion.
- Canon Montanelli
Appointed to the see of Brisighella; expresses anxiety about Arthur and offers to cancel his trip.
- Gemma Warren
Invites Arthur for Easter; mentioned as reading with Bolla, sparking Arthur's jealousy.
- Giovanni Bolla
Rival for Gemma's attention; entrusted with smuggling political books.
- Father Cardi
New Director of the seminary; hears Arthur's confession and discusses university regulations.
Key passages
“My father, I accuse myself of the sins of jealousy and anger, and of unworthy thoughts against one who has done me no wrong.”
Arthur confesses to feeling jealous and angry toward Bolla, even though Bolla has not harmed him.
Arthur's confession reveals his internal struggle with envy.
“Be sure and come as soon as possible, for I want you to meet Bolla. He has been staying here, and we have read together every day.”
Gemma's postscript asks Arthur to come quickly because Bolla is visiting and they have been reading together daily.
This note triggers Arthur's jealousy and sets the emotional tone for the chapter.