The Informer · Chapter
VI explained
This chapter provides background on Commandant Dan Gallagher's rise to prominence following the farm-labourers' strike and the murder of the Farmers' Union Secretary.
What happens
This chapter provides background on Commandant Dan Gallagher's rise to prominence following the farm-labourers' strike and the murder of the Farmers' Union Secretary. It includes excerpts from a hostile English aristocratic article and a favorable American revolutionary piece, as well as a secret report from an International Executive representative criticizing Gallagher's dictatorial control and deviation from Communist principles.
Themes in this chapter
Class Struggle and Poverty
The farm-labourers' strike and the murder of the Farmers' Union Secretary highlight the class conflict between workers and landowners, with the Revolutionary Organization spreading influence among labourers.
Violence and Revolution
The chapter references murder, conspiracy, and the use of violence (e.g., Gallagher smashing a priest's skull with a hurling stick) as part of revolutionary activity.
Identity and Otherness
The English article portrays Gallagher and Irish revolutionaries as morally and culturally 'other,' using stereotypes of Irish violence and deceit.
Characters to notice
- Commandant Dan Gallagher
Becomes a public figure after the farm-labourers' strike and murder; denounced the murder as a 'foul crime'; described as a 'slippery customer' by official quarters; criticized in a secret report for ruling as a dictator.
Key passages
“He came out of obscurity in a night as it were. People suddenly discovered that he was a power in the country.”
Gallagher rose to fame almost overnight, and the public quickly realized he wielded significant influence.
Describes Gallagher's sudden emergence as a prominent figure after the strike and murder.
“He promptly denounced the murder as a 'foul crime against the honour of the working class and the whole revolutionary movement.'”
Gallagher immediately condemned the killing, calling it a disgrace to the working class and the revolution.
Shows Gallagher's public stance distancing himself from the murder.
“This flower of Irish manhood grew on an obscure dunghill, in the daily practice of all these virtues, which are indigenous to the Irish soil...”
The English article sarcastically describes Gallagher's humble origins and mocks Irish virtues.
Illustrates the hostile tone of the English aristocratic press toward Gallagher.
“Comrade Gallagher rules the national Organization purely and simply as a dictator. There is a semblance of an Executive Committee but only in name.”
The secret report states that Gallagher exercises absolute control over the organization, with a nominal executive committee that has no real power.
Reveals internal criticism of Gallagher's authoritarian leadership.