# II: The Man in Green explained — The Napoleon of Notting Hill

> Chapter companion for The Napoleon of Notting Hill by G. K. Chesterton.

## What happens

The chapter introduces the setting of a future London where faith in revolutions has been lost, and a quiet despotism has replaced democracy. Three government clerks—Barker, Lambert, and Quin—are introduced, with Quin being a peculiar, nonsensical figure. They encounter a man in a bright green military uniform, a sight so rare it draws a crowd. Barker explains to a visiting Nicaraguan President that England has become a despotism where the king is chosen alphabetically, arguing that democracy naturally leads to despotism and that all men are equally idiotic, making any random man suitable for rule.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Absurdity vs. Seriousness of Life

Auberon Quin embodies absurdity with his nonsensical talk and perception of coattails as dragons, contrasting with Barker's serious political philosophy. The chapter explores the tension between meaningless play and earnest governance.

### The Nature of Leadership and Fanaticism

Barker's defense of alphabetical despotism reveals a fanatical belief in the system, arguing that any ordinary man can rule because all are equally idiotic. This challenges traditional notions of leadership and merit.

### Prophecy and the Unpredictability of History

The narrator speaks from a prophetic past, describing a future where revolutions are abandoned and despotism reigns. The appearance of the man in green hints at unpredictable historical forces that may disrupt the mechanical order.

## Character check-ins

### Auberon Quin

The short government clerk with a round head and owl-like appearance, known for his nonsensical talk and collection of Japanese lacquer. He deliberately walks behind his companions, seeing their coattails as dragons.

### James Barker

A lean, elegant, and powerful official with a blank handsome face and bleak blue eyes. He articulates the philosophy of the new despotism, arguing that democracy fulfills itself in despotism and that all men are equally idiotic.

### Mr. Lambert

A foolish youth with a nose that impoverishes his face, who candidly admits he cannot understand Quin or Barker's explanations.

## Key lines

> If you look at a thing nine hundred and ninety-nine times, you are perfectly safe; if you look at it the thousandth time, you are in frightful danger of seeing it for the first time.

Familiarity breeds blindness until a sudden shift in perception reveals the truth.

_This law explains Quin's sudden perception of his companions' coattails as dragons, marking a turning point in his worldview._

> The sane and enduring democracy is founded on the fact that all men are equally idiotic.

True democracy rests on the assumption that everyone is equally foolish.

_Barker uses this argument to justify the alphabetical despotism, claiming any random man can rule as well as any other._

> We have established now in England, the thing towards which all systems have dimly groped, the dull popular despotism without illusions.

England has achieved the ultimate political system: a dull despotism based on popular consent, free from romantic ideals.

_Barker describes the new regime as the fulfillment of democracy, stripping away all pretense and illusion._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_napoleon_of_notting_hill_se/chapters/ii-the-man-in-green
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_napoleon_of_notting_hill_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_napoleon_of_notting_hill_se/chapters