The Napoleon of Notting Hill · Chapter
The Charter of the Cities explained
King Auberon Quin, in a speech to the Society for the Recovery of London Antiquities, announces his plan to restore local patriotism by granting charters to London boroughs, each with its own city wall, guard, banner, and coat-of-arms.
What happens
King Auberon Quin, in a speech to the Society for the Recovery of London Antiquities, announces his plan to restore local patriotism by granting charters to London boroughs, each with its own city wall, guard, banner, and coat-of-arms. His absurd and humorous proclamation is met with a mix of indignation and laughter, but a pale-faced boy with burning blue eyes watches intently.
Themes in this chapter
Patriotism and Local Loyalty
The King's speech centers on reviving local patriotism through invented traditions and borough pride, mocking yet celebrating the concept.
The Absurdity vs. Seriousness of Life
Auberon Quin's public humor and Barker's earnest outrage highlight the tension between absurdity and seriousness in public life.
The Creation of Meaning Through Art and Play
The King's proclamation is a playful act of creating meaning, turning bureaucratic charters into a form of art and communal identity.
Characters to notice
- Auberon Quin
The King delivers a whimsical speech proposing the restoration of ancient London boroughs, blending humor with a serious undercurrent of local patriotism.
- James Barker
Barker confronts the King about his frivolous behavior, arguing for public necessity, but is outwitted by Quin's playful logic.
- Mr. Lambert
Lambert is seen bewildered outside the King's apartments at the start of the chapter, caught in the commotion.
- Adam Wayne
A pale-faced boy with burning blue eyes is noted among the audience, foreshadowing his future role as the fervent Provost of Notting Hill.
Key passages
“I don’t do it in private, because it is funnier to do it in public.”
The King explains that his public antics are funnier than private jokes, reversing the usual social order.
Auberon Quin's philosophy of public humor as a deliberate inversion of Victorian decorum.
“Is this ancient spirit of the London townships to die out?”
The King asks whether the local pride and legends of London's boroughs should be forgotten.
Central rhetorical question of the King's speech, setting up his plan to revive local patriotism.