# VII explained — The Gadfly

> Chapter companion for The Gadfly by Ethel Voynich.

## What happens

Martini is annoyed when the Gadfly misses a committee meeting, but learns from Galli and Dr. Riccardo that the Gadfly is seriously ill. Riccardo describes the Gadfly's painful condition and his refusal to let Zita near him. Martini goes to care for him, and after a long vigil, the Gadfly sleeps. Riccardo and Galli arrange to stay with him, and Martini encounters Zita outside.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Redemption

The Gadfly endures intense physical pain from an old injury, reflecting his ongoing suffering and possible search for redemption.

### Identity and Transformation

The Gadfly's mysterious past and his refusal to let Zita near him hint at a transformed identity and hidden trauma.

## Character check-ins

### Martini

Annoyed by the Gadfly's absence, then becomes his caretaker.

### The Gadfly

Suffering from a painful old injury, refuses help and shows morbid horror of Zita.

### Dr. Riccardo

Attends to the Gadfly, describes his condition and contradictions.

### Galli

Defends the Gadfly to Martini and later stays to watch over him.

### Gemma Warren

Present during Riccardo's report, concerned about the Gadfly.

### Zita Reni

Returns home during the night; the Gadfly refuses to let her near him.

## Key lines

> Altogether, he's one of the most incomprehensible creatures I ever met—a perfect mass of contradictions.

Dr. Riccardo finds the Gadfly baffling and full of contradictions.

_Highlights the Gadfly's complex and enigmatic nature._

> He won't let her come near him. He has a morbid horror of her.

The Gadfly refuses to allow Zita to approach him, showing an irrational fear of her.

_Reveals the Gadfly's deep-seated aversion to Zita._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gadfly_se/chapters/part-ii-vii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gadfly_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gadfly_se/chapters