The Man Who Was Thursday · Chapter
X: The Duel explained
Syme and his companions prepare for a duel with the Marquis de St.
What happens
Syme and his companions prepare for a duel with the Marquis de St. Eustache. Syme, in high spirits, jots down a mock catechism of the expected conversation. He approaches the Marquis and pulls his nose, leading to a sword fight. During the duel, Syme wounds the Marquis multiple times without drawing blood, causing supernatural dread. The Marquis suddenly stops, requests Syme to pull his nose, and when Syme does, it comes off, revealing a disguise. The chapter ends with the revelation that all council members except Sunday and his secretary were detectives, and Sunday has likely seized control of the world.
Themes in this chapter
Duality and Disguise
The Marquis's nose is revealed to be a disguise, and the entire duel is a masquerade. The chapter underscores the theme of hidden identities, as even the anarchist council members are detectives in disguise.
The Nature of Evil
Syme's sword fails to wound the Marquis, leading him to suspect the Marquis is a devil or the Devil himself. This raises questions about the supernatural nature of evil and its invulnerability.
Courage and Cowardice
Syme resolves to die as a man, asserting that he can do what Satan cannot—die. This highlights the theme of courage in the face of overwhelming evil.
Characters to notice
- Gabriel Syme
Syme is in a state of curious hilarity, drinking Saumur and composing a mock catechism. He challenges the Marquis to a duel, fights with intellectual fury, and experiences supernatural terror when his sword fails to wound. He resolves to die as a champion of humanity.
- Professor de Worms
The Professor wearily dismisses the showing of blue cards and later points out the flaw in Syme's planned dialogue. He observes the duel with a ponderous simplicity.
- Dr. Bull
Dr. Bull steps forward with gravity to apologize to the Marquis's seconds, explaining the desperate situation. He later expresses exasperation at Syme's antics and is pale after the duel.
- Inspector Ratcliffe
Ratcliffe warns against making noise, fearing Sunday may hear. He delivers a passionate speech revealing that Sunday controlled the entire anarchist movement and set the detectives against each other.
- Marquis de St. Eustache
The Marquis is described with animal elegance and scornful eyes. He fights wildly, constantly glancing at the railway line. He reveals his nose is a disguise, which comes off when pulled.
- Colonel Ducroix
Colonel Ducroix initially moves to leave but decides to stay and fight for civilization after hearing the detectives' explanation. He serves as a second and comments on the irregularity of the duel.
Key passages
“We are not buffoons, but very desperate men at war with a vast conspiracy. A secret society of anarchists is hunting us like hares; not such unfortunate madmen as may here or there throw a bomb through starvation or German philosophy, but a rich and powerful and fanatical church, a church of eastern pessimism, which holds it holy to destroy mankind like vermin.”
Dr. Bull explains that they are not jesters but serious fighters against a powerful anarchist conspiracy that seeks to destroy humanity.
This speech reveals the true stakes of the conflict and the nature of the enemy.
“I tell you he has bought every trust, he has captured every cable, he has control of every railway line—especially of that railway line!”
Inspector Ratcliffe declares that Sunday has seized control of all major systems of power, including railways.
This highlights Sunday's immense influence and the futility of the detectives' efforts.
“After all, I am more than a devil; I am a man. I can do the one thing which Satan himself cannot do—I can die.”
Syme realizes that as a human, he has the capacity for self-sacrifice, which even Satan lacks.
This moment of resolve underscores the theme of courage and the power of humanity.
