# V explained — The Gadfly

> Chapter companion for The Gadfly by Ethel Voynich.

## What happens

The Gadfly lies in a fearful state, chained and strapped to his pallet, enduring brutal treatment from the Governor. Montanelli visits him despite warnings, and later discusses the Governor's concerns about a potential rescue attempt before Corpus Domini. The Gadfly remains defiant and intractable.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Redemption

The Gadfly endures extreme physical suffering, chained and strapped, while Montanelli's visit suggests a potential for redemption or moral reckoning.

### Religious Hypocrisy and Faith

Montanelli's gentle but contemptuous response to the Governor's cruelty highlights the tension between Christian compassion and institutional brutality.

## Character check-ins

### The Gadfly

Lies in a fearful state, chained and strapped, enduring brutal treatment; later recovers but remains defiant and savage.

### Canon Montanelli

Visits the Gadfly despite warnings, shows quiet contempt for the Governor's cruelty, and later discusses the situation with the Governor.

### Colonel Ferrari

The Governor who orders the Gadfly's brutal restraint and refuses to loosen the straps; later consults Montanelli about the danger before Corpus Domini.

## Key lines

> Which do you think the more grievous misfortune for a Christian man; to hear a blasphemous word uttered, or to abandon a fellow-creature in extremity?

Montanelli questions the Governor's priorities, suggesting that abandoning a suffering person is worse than hearing blasphemy.

_Montanelli challenges the Governor's concern about blasphemy, emphasizing Christian duty to help the afflicted._

> Colonel, I can't get up and strangle you; but my teeth are pretty good; you had better take your throat a little further off.

The Gadfly, though weak, threatens the Governor with a savage retort, showing his unbroken spirit.

_The Gadfly's defiance persists even in his weakened state, illustrating his fierce resistance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gadfly_se/chapters/part-iii-v
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gadfly_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_gadfly_se/chapters