The Gadfly · Chapter
III explained
The Gadfly has taken lodgings near Zita, displaying luxurious tastes that surprise his comrades.
What happens
The Gadfly has taken lodgings near Zita, displaying luxurious tastes that surprise his comrades. He is generally friendly but notably cold and rude to Gemma, stemming from an unintentional insult she made about cripples. Martini resents the Gadfly's behavior, but Gemma defends him. The committee debates the Gadfly's pamphlet criticizing the new Pope, with Gemma agreeing with its substance but not its tone. She is sent to negotiate revisions, and during their conversation, the Gadfly reveals a letter suggesting Cardinal Montanelli's mission to Tuscany is a Jesuit plot.
Themes in this chapter
Revolution and Political Idealism
The committee debates the effectiveness of the Gadfly's pamphlet, highlighting divisions over how to critique the Pope and the revolutionary movement's direction.
Betrayal and Deception
The Gadfly's letter suggests Montanelli's mission is a Jesuit plot, implying deception within the Church's political maneuvers.
Identity and Transformation
The Gadfly's sensitivity about his disability and his changed demeanor around Gemma hint at his hidden past and transformed identity.
Characters to notice
- The Gadfly
Shows luxurious tastes; avoids and is rude to Gemma; defends his pamphlet's criticism of the Pope; reveals intelligence about Montanelli's mission.
- Gemma Warren
Sent by the committee to negotiate with the Gadfly; agrees with his political critique but dislikes his tone; recalls unintentionally insulting him about his disability.
- Martini
Dislikes the Gadfly and resents his treatment of Gemma; discusses the pamphlet and Gemma's past insult with her.
- Canon Montanelli
Mentioned in the Gadfly's letter as being sent to Tuscany on a Jesuit-influenced mission, possibly unaware of its true purpose.
- Galli
Surprised by the Gadfly's luxurious lodgings and tastes.
- Dr. Riccardo
Also surprised by the Gadfly's luxurious habits.
Key passages
“The bad principle is that any man should hold over another the power to bind and loose. It's a false relationship to stand in towards one's fellows.”
Gemma argues that the fundamental problem is the authority of one person over another's conscience, not just the Pope's temporal power.
Gemma articulates her antinomian view, criticizing hierarchical religious authority.
“He is either an uncommonly clever knave, or the biggest ass that was ever foaled.”
The Gadfly's informant suggests Montanelli is either a cunning deceiver or a naive fool regarding his mission.
The Gadfly reads from a letter that casts doubt on Montanelli's awareness of Jesuit manipulation.
“If I write decently the public won't understand it; they will say it's dull if it isn't spiteful enough.”
The Gadfly defends his sharp tone, claiming the public only responds to biting satire.
The Gadfly explains his stylistic choice to Gemma during their negotiation.