The Napoleon of Notting Hill · Chapter
The Experiment of Mr. Buck explained
King Auberon Quin, disappointed after failing to secure a humorous incident in Pump Street, reflects on the absurdity of life and the lack of miracles.
What happens
King Auberon Quin, disappointed after failing to secure a humorous incident in Pump Street, reflects on the absurdity of life and the lack of miracles. At a council meeting with the Provosts, Adam Wayne refuses a generous offer for Pump Street, citing the Charter of the Cities. Buck proposes to treat Wayne as a lunatic and forcibly demolish the street.
Themes in this chapter
The Absurdity vs. Seriousness of Life
Auberon Quin's picnic monologue contrasts the serious, wheel-like machinery of the world with his own humorous, butterfly-like perspective, while the council's earnest negotiations highlight the clash between absurdity and gravity.
Romanticism vs. Modernity
Wayne's romantic defense of Notting Hill as a 'Holy Mountain' stands against Buck and Barker's modern, utilitarian view of property and progress, epitomized by the offer of fifteen hundred pounds.
The Nature of Leadership and Fanaticism
Buck's proposal to declare Wayne a lunatic reveals how fanaticism is pathologized by those in power, while Wayne's calm, principled stance shows a different kind of leadership rooted in conviction.
Characters to notice
- Auberon Quin
The King, feeling gloomy after being denied his fun, muses on the ludicrousness of life and longs for miracles. He presides over the council and defends Wayne's right to speak, but ultimately allows the negotiations to end.
- James Barker
Barker argues pragmatically with the King, then at the council presses Wayne to accept the offer, accusing him of malice. He grows frantic when the King supports Wayne, and later agrees with Buck's plan to treat Wayne as a lunatic.
- Mr. Buck
Buck leads the council, offering increasingly generous sums for Pump Street. He is initially angry but softens after Wayne's apology, then proposes to have Wayne declared insane and the street demolished.
- Adam Wayne
Wayne appears in full ceremonial robes, refuses all offers for Pump Street, and invokes the Charter of the Cities. He apologizes for his earlier outburst and shows magnanimity toward Buck, but remains steadfast in his refusal.
- General Wilson
Wilson is present at the council, questioning the financial feasibility of Buck's offer, but ultimately supports the plan to treat Wayne as a lunatic.
- Captain Bowler
Bowler is the King's equerry, listening to Auberon's philosophical musings during the picnic and being an evolutionist who does not long for miracles.
Key passages
“I collect incidents—those rare, those precious things. Let me have one. Pay a few pounds for it. Give these Notting Hillers a chance. Let them alone.”
Auberon tells Barker that he values unique experiences over money, and asks him to spare the Notting Hillers for the sake of a good story.
This captures Auberon's humorous, anti-materialistic philosophy.
“It goes on great brutal wheels of facts—wheels on which you are the butterfly; and Wayne is the fly on the wheel.”
Barker argues that the real world operates on harsh, mechanical facts, and that both Auberon and Wayne are insignificant in the face of it.
Barker's metaphor contrasts the playful King and the fanatical Wayne with the relentless march of progress.
“You may offer a million and it will be very difficult for you to get Pump Street.”
Wayne declares that no amount of money can make him sell Pump Street, emphasizing his absolute commitment.
This line shows Wayne's unwavering resolve and the central conflict of the chapter.
“Let's send in workmen on the spot to pull down Pump Street. And if old Wayne says a word, arrest him as a lunatic.”
Buck proposes to demolish the street immediately and have Wayne committed if he objects, bypassing legal niceties.
This plan marks the escalation from negotiation to outright conflict.
