XVII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Violence and Revolution

  Gallagher's determination to 'wipe out' Gypo and his willingness to use force against Mary McPhillip highlight the revolutionary violence and ruthlessness.

• Gender and Exploitation

  Mary McPhillip's physical and verbal resistance is overpowered by Gallagher and the sentries, illustrating the exploitation and silencing of women in the conflict.

Characters to notice

• Bartly Mulholland

  Rushes down to the Bogey Hole to inform Gallagher that Gypo has been found at Katie Fox's room.

• Commandant Dan Gallagher

  Receives the news from Mulholland, rouses Mary McPhillip, and orders her restrained when she protests the planned execution.

• Mary McPhillip

  Awakened by Gallagher, she learns of Gypo's location and vehemently opposes the murder, screaming and fighting before being subdued.

• Katie Fox

  Reported by Mulholland as the one who informed on Gypo's whereabouts; she is described as 'mad with dope.'

Key passages

• “At sixteen minutes to six, Mulholland rushed down the stairs into the Bogey Hole, shouting in a hushed whisper all the way: 'Commandant, Commandant, we have him, we have him!'”

  At 5:44, Mulholland hurried down the stairs into the Bogey Hole, whispering excitedly that they had captured Gypo.

  Mulholland's urgent report sets the chapter's action in motion.

• “Murder be damned! cried Gallagher. We're going to wipe him out.”

  Gallagher angrily dismissed the idea of murder, declaring they would eliminate Gypo entirely.

  Gallagher's response reveals his uncompromising stance on revolutionary justice.

• “We spare neither man nor woman. Remember that.”

  Gallagher warned Mary that the organization shows no mercy to anyone, regardless of gender.

  Gallagher's threat underscores the harshness of the revolutionary code.