The Informer · Chapter
XVIII explained
Gypo Nolan, wounded and pursued, escapes from his attackers after a violent struggle on the stairs.
What happens
Gypo Nolan, wounded and pursued, escapes from his attackers after a violent struggle on the stairs. He makes his way to a church, where he confesses to Mrs. McPhillip that he informed on her son Frankie. She forgives him, and he dies in the church, feeling a sense of peace.
Themes in this chapter
Guilt and Paranoia
Gypo's nightmare and the ambush highlight his guilt and the paranoid atmosphere of being hunted.
Betrayal and Its Consequences
Gypo's confession to Mrs. McPhillip and his death underscore the ultimate cost of his betrayal.
Violence and Revolution
The ambush, gunfire, and physical struggle illustrate the violent reality of the revolutionary period.
Characters to notice
- Gypo Nolan
Wounded and dying, Gypo confesses to Mrs. McPhillip and seeks forgiveness before collapsing in the church.
- Mrs. McPhillip
Forgives Gypo for informing on her son Frankie as he lies dying in the church.
- Commandant Dan Gallagher
Seen by Gypo standing outside the church, smiling insolently, and later turning away.
- Bartly Mulholland
One of the attackers who ambushes Gypo in the lodging house; struggles with Gypo on the stairs.
- Comrade Hackett
Participates in the ambush of Gypo in the lodging house.
- Comrade Curley
Third attacker in the ambush; fires a shot unintentionally during the struggle.
Key passages
“Mrs. McPhillip, 'twas I informed on yer son Frankie. Forgive me. I'm dyin'.”
Gypo confesses to Mrs. McPhillip that he betrayed her son and asks for forgiveness as he is dying.
This is the climax of Gypo's guilt and his plea for absolution.
“I forgive ye. Ye didn't know what ye were doin'.”
Mrs. McPhillip forgives Gypo, acknowledging his ignorance.
Her forgiveness provides Gypo with a sense of peace before his death.