The Man Who Was Thursday · Chapter
VII: The Unaccountable Conduct of Professor de Worms explained
Syme, having narrowly escaped suspicion from President Sunday, attempts to lose himself in London but is persistently and inexplicably followed by the frail, limping Professor de Worms, who appears at every turn despite Syme's brisk pace, l
What happens
Syme, having narrowly escaped suspicion from President Sunday, attempts to lose himself in London but is persistently and inexplicably followed by the frail, limping Professor de Worms, who appears at every turn despite Syme's brisk pace, leading Syme to question reality and his own sanity.
Themes in this chapter
The Search for Truth
Syme's frantic attempts to understand the Professor's inexplicable movements mirror the broader quest for truth in a world of deception.
Duality and Disguise
Gogol's unmasking as a detective and the Professor's contradictory behavior highlight the theme of hidden identities and appearances versus reality.
The Absurdity of Existence
The Professor's impossible pursuit of Syme, despite his physical limitations, introduces an absurd, almost surreal element that challenges rational explanation.
Characters to notice
- Gabriel Syme
Syme is shaken by Sunday's cryptic warning and becomes paranoid as he tries to evade the Professor, who seems to follow him with supernatural persistence.
- Sunday
Sunday dismisses the council with a cryptic remark about being overheard, leaving Syme unsettled, and later leaves abruptly for a Humanitarian meeting.
- Professor de Worms
The Professor appears repeatedly in Syme's path, despite his apparent frailty, suggesting he is either following Syme or is part of a larger scheme.
- Gogol
Gogol is exposed as a police detective when Sunday forces him to reveal a blue card; he removes his disguise and leaves the council.
- The Secretary
The Secretary protests Sunday's irregular handling of the council's plans but is rebuffed with scorn.
Key passages
““That’s it, that’s it,” said the President, nodding a great many times. “That’s where you fail right enough. You fail to understand. Why, you dancing donkey,” he roared, rising, “you didn’t want to be overheard by a spy, didn’t you? How do you know you aren’t overheard now?””
Sunday mocks the Secretary for worrying about spies, implying that they might still be overheard even after Gogol's exposure.
Sunday's cryptic remark deepens Syme's unease and foreshadows the theme of pervasive surveillance.
“He had seen no cab following; he had heard no wheels outside the shop; to all mortal appearances the man had come on foot. But the old man could only walk like a snail, and Syme had walked like the wind.”
Syme is baffled that the Professor, who moves slowly, has caught up with him despite Syme's fast pace and no visible transportation.
This highlights the absurd and inexplicable nature of the Professor's pursuit, challenging Syme's grasp of reality.