The Napoleon of Notting Hill · Chapter
The Council of the Provosts explained
King Auberon Quin, in a playful mood, designs uniforms and coats-of-arms for London's municipalities, then issues the Charter of the Free Cities, which creates absurd local governments with halberdiers and formalities.
What happens
King Auberon Quin, in a playful mood, designs uniforms and coats-of-arms for London's municipalities, then issues the Charter of the Free Cities, which creates absurd local governments with halberdiers and formalities. Provosts from various districts complain about the inconveniences, but the King insists on full pomp. Provost Buck of North Kensington arrives to protest a road project blocked by the new Provost of Notting Hill, Adam Wayne, who refuses to allow demolition of Pump Street. The King treats the conflict as entertainment, and the audience is joined by the Provost of Bayswater.
Themes in this chapter
The Absurdity vs. Seriousness of Life
The King's playful creation of municipal pomp contrasts sharply with the Provosts' serious complaints about practical inconveniences, highlighting the tension between absurdity and earnestness.
The Nature of Leadership and Fanaticism
Adam Wayne's stubborn defense of Pump Street, despite financial offers, foreshadows his fanatical devotion to local identity, while the King's whimsical leadership shows a different form of authority.
Characters to notice
- Auberon Quin
The King, acting like a child, designs municipal uniforms and issues the Charter of the Free Cities, treating the resulting chaos as a game.
- James Barker
Visits the King with Lambert, alarmed to learn the King intends to implement the charter seriously, and is appointed Lord High Provost of South Kensington.
- Mr. Lambert
Accompanies Barker to the King's audience, observing the King's eccentric behavior.
- Mr. Buck
Provost of North Kensington, complains to the King about Adam Wayne blocking the road project through Pump Street, and is frustrated by the King's mockery.
- Adam Wayne
Mentioned as the new Provost of Notting Hill who refuses to allow the road to go through Pump Street, causing conflict with Buck.
- General Wilson
Provost of Bayswater, arrives for an audience with the King, clad in green and silver robes.
Key passages
“I cannot think why people should think the names of places in the country more poetical than those in London.”
The King argues that London place names are just as poetic as rural ones.
Reflects the theme of finding poetry in the everyday urban landscape.
“I solemnly give to my liege subject, James Barker, my special and splendid favour, the right to override the obvious text of the Charter of the Cities, and to be, in his own right, Lord High Provost of South Kensington.”
The King appoints Barker as a special provost to appease him.
Shows the King's arbitrary and playful exercise of power.
“We offer him a better price than anyone ever dreamt of, but he won't let the road go through. And his Council seems to be backing him up. It's midsummer madness.”
Buck complains that Wayne refuses a generous offer for the road, calling his behavior irrational.
Introduces the central conflict over Pump Street.