The Napoleon of Notting Hill · Chapter
I: The Empire of Notting Hill explained
Twenty years after Notting Hill's victory, King Auberon Quin reflects on the romantic transformation of the city.
What happens
Twenty years after Notting Hill's victory, King Auberon Quin reflects on the romantic transformation of the city. He visits Pump Street and Mr. Mead's shop, then encounters Adam Wayne and General Turnbull discussing an impending war with Bayswater over a statue. Wayne predicts defeat, leading Quin to abdicate and enlist. The chapter ends with the Feast of the Lamps, a sudden blackout, and a violent street brawl involving Barker and Buck.
Themes in this chapter
The Poetry of the Everyday
The artistic display of groceries, the symbolic lampposts, and the romanticization of daily life in Notting Hill highlight the beauty found in ordinary objects.
War and Sacrifice
The impending war over a statue, Wayne's prediction of defeat and death, and the violent street brawl underscore the themes of conflict and sacrifice.
The Absurdity vs. Seriousness of Life
King Auberon's abdication and enlistment for a seemingly hopeless war, along with the solemn celebration of a past battle, blend absurdity with deep seriousness.
Characters to notice
- Auberon Quin
King Auberon, now older and wearing old-fashioned clothes, walks through Notting Hill, reflecting on its romantic transformation and the legacy of the war.
- Mr. Mead
The grocer, now Grand Master of the Grocers, wears an embroidered robe and displays his wares artistically. He greets the King and discusses liquorice.
- Adam Wayne
Provost Wayne, now older, speaks to the crowd and predicts defeat in the coming war, stating that they ought to be defeated.
- Mr. Turnbull
General Turnbull listens to Wayne's prediction of defeat and expresses surprise, but agrees they will likely be beaten.
- Mr. Buck
Provost Buck appears in purple robes, confirms the news of war, and later joins the brawl, breaking a shop window to grab a scimitar.
- James Barker
Barker draws a dagger and sword, shouting 'South Kensington!' and fights in the street, eventually being struck down by a man of Notting Hill.
Key passages
“I have survived the Deluge. I am a pyramid, and must behave as such.”
I have outlasted the great upheaval; I am ancient and unchangeable, and must act accordingly.
King Auberon reflects on his age and the changes since the war.
“Old Wayne was right in a way. The sword does make things beautiful. It has made the whole world romantic by now.”
Wayne was correct: warfare has a way of beautifying things, and now everything has become romantic.
Auberon acknowledges Wayne's belief that conflict creates beauty.
“Tomorrow, old man, we shall have a new experience, as fresh as the flowers of spring. We shall be defeated.”
Tomorrow we will face something new and refreshing: we will lose.
Wayne calmly predicts their defeat to Turnbull.
“I don't mind so much about being dead, but why should you say that we shall be defeated?”
Death doesn't bother me, but why are you so sure we'll lose?
Turnbull questions Wayne's certainty about the outcome.
“The answer is very simple. It is because we ought to be defeated.”
The reason is straightforward: we deserve to lose.
Wayne explains that defeat is morally appropriate.
