The Man Who Was Thursday · Chapter
XII: The Earth in Anarchy explained
The chapter depicts the chaotic climax of the chase as Syme and his companions, pursued by a massive mob and even the gendarmes, find themselves cornered on a jetty.
What happens
The chapter depicts the chaotic climax of the chase as Syme and his companions, pursued by a massive mob and even the gendarmes, find themselves cornered on a jetty. Amidst gunfire and confusion, the Secretary reveals himself to be a detective from Scotland Yard, and it is disclosed that the entire Supreme Anarchist Council was composed of undercover policemen. The mob, believing the group to be anarchists, is pacified when the truth emerges.
Themes in this chapter
Order vs. Chaos
The mob's anarchic uprising and the gendarmes' betrayal highlight the collapse of societal order, while the detectives' true identities restore a semblance of law.
The Absurdity of Existence
The revelation that the entire anarchist council was composed of policemen underscores the absurd and farcical nature of the conflict.
Courage and Cowardice
Syme's defiant charge and the group's stand against overwhelming odds contrast with the mob's blind hatred and the initial despair of the detectives.
Characters to notice
- Gabriel Syme
Leads the group onto the jetty, brandishes swords and a lantern, and delivers a defiant speech before the Secretary's revelation.
- Professor de Worms
Quotes from Pope's 'Dunciad' and expresses despair at the chaos, but later joins Syme in the charge.
- Dr. Bull
Initially hopeful, then panicked, and finally relieved when the truth is revealed; he offers to buy drinks for the crowd.
- Inspector Ratcliffe
Remarks that everyone is becoming an anarchist and later expresses hopelessness, stating they will all be dead soon.
- Colonel Ducroix
Leads the group to Dr. Renard's house and identifies the approaching cavalry; remains calm under pressure.
- The Secretary
Reveals himself as a Scotland Yard detective and arrests Syme, leading to the disclosure that all council members were police.
Key passages
“Well, we smashed something. That's some comfort.”
At least we destroyed something, which is a small consolation.
Professor de Worms finds grim satisfaction in the chaos.
“You're becoming an anarchist.”
You're starting to think like an anarchist.
Syme comments on the Professor's nihilistic attitude.
“Everyone is.”
Everyone is becoming an anarchist.
Ratcliffe observes the universal spread of anarchic sentiment.
“What does it matter who is mad or who is sane? We shall all be dead soon.”
The distinction between madness and sanity is irrelevant because we will all die shortly.
Ratcliffe expresses existential despair.
“There never was any Supreme Anarchist Council. We were all a lot of silly policemen looking at each other.”
The Supreme Anarchist Council never existed; we were all just policemen pretending to be anarchists.
Dr. Bull reveals the absurd truth of the situation.
