The Gadfly · Chapter
V explained
The Gadfly's savage attacks on Montanelli cause division within the committee, but Montanelli remains indifferent.
What happens
The Gadfly's savage attacks on Montanelli cause division within the committee, but Montanelli remains indifferent. A controversial leaflet by the Gadfly prompts a defense from an anonymous writer, 'A Son of the Church.' The committee debates relief measures for a threatened dearth, and suspicions arise about the Gadfly's possible connections with violent sects in the Romagna.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Deception
The Gadfly's anonymous attacks and the secret identity of 'A Son of the Church' highlight themes of deception and hidden motives.
Religious Hypocrisy and Faith
The Gadfly's lampoons accuse Montanelli of Jesuitical hypocrisy, while Montanelli's calm demeanor contrasts with the vitriol.
Revolution and Political Idealism
The committee's debate over relief measures and the Gadfly's involvement in smuggling arms reflect the tension between moderate reform and radical action.
Characters to notice
- The Gadfly
Continues his bitter attacks on Montanelli, publishes a controversial leaflet, and is suspected of involvement with violent sects.
- Canon Montanelli
Remains indifferent to the Gadfly's attacks, preaches a farewell sermon, and departs for his see in the Romagna.
- Gemma Warren
Attends the committee meeting, feels instinctive distrust and fear of the Gadfly, and belongs to the advanced section favoring energetic relief measures.
- Martini
Opposes entrusting the Gadfly with party secrets, considering him featherbrained and theatrical.
- Dr. Riccardo
Hosts the committee meeting, supports the Gadfly's capabilities, and vouches for his presence of mind.
- Galli
Initially an admirer of the Gadfly, now annoyed by the attacks on Montanelli, and argues for immediate relief measures.
Key passages
“stipulated, when I gave in to Signora Bolla, that I should be allowed a l-l-little chuckle all to myself now. It is so nominated in the bond!”
The Gadfly defends his attacks on Montanelli, claiming he reserved the right to mock him as part of his agreement with Signora Bolla.
The Gadfly uses a stammering, playful tone to justify his relentless satire.
“The only person who, apparently, remained quite indifferent to the storm of caricatures and pasquinades was Montanelli himself.”
Montanelli seemed unaffected by the Gadfly's harsh caricatures and satirical writings.
Montanelli's indifference contrasts with the public uproar.
“The Gadfly had known where to sting; and, though eager crowds still collected before the Cardinal's house to see him enter or leave his carriage, ominous cries of 'Jesuit!' and 'Sanfedist spy!' often mingled with the cheers and benedictions.”
The Gadfly's satire successfully stirred public suspicion against Montanelli, leading to mixed reactions of admiration and hostility.
The Gadfly's attacks begin to erode Montanelli's reputation.
“For my part, I have not the slightest doubt as to either his courage, his honesty, or his presence of mind; and that he knows both mountains and mountaineers we have had ample proof.”
Fabrizi vouches for the Gadfly's bravery, integrity, and composure, as well as his knowledge of the mountainous terrain.
Fabrizi supports the Gadfly's capabilities despite Martini's reservations.
