The Prisoner of Zenda · Chapter
II: Concerning the Colour of Men's Hair explained
Rudolf Rassendyll travels from Paris to Ruritania, encountering Antoinette de Mauban on the train.
What happens
Rudolf Rassendyll travels from Paris to Ruritania, encountering Antoinette de Mauban on the train. He stops at Zenda, where he learns from the innkeeper and her daughters about King Rudolf V's upcoming coronation, the rivalry with Black Michael, and the king's red Elphberg hair. A keeper named Johann reacts with surprise to Rassendyll's own red hair, hinting at his resemblance to the king.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Mistaken Identity
Rassendyll's red hair and Elphberg features cause Johann to mistake him for the king, foreshadowing the central impersonation plot.
Power and Ambition
Black Michael's desire for the throne and for Princess Flavia is revealed, setting up the political conflict.
Appearance vs. Reality
The king's shaved beard and the public's unfamiliarity with him create uncertainty about who is the true king.
Characters to notice
- Rudolf Rassendyll
Travels from Paris to Zenda, learns about the king's coronation and his own resemblance to the Elphbergs.
- Johann
The duke's keeper who is startled by Rassendyll's red hair and mentions having seen the king.
- Black Michael
Duke of Strelsau, master of Zenda, and rival to his brother the king; discussed by the innkeeper and her daughters.
- Princess Flavia
Mentioned as the woman Black Michael wishes to marry and who is to be queen.
- Antoinette Mauban
Travels on the same train as Rassendyll to Strelsau; associated with Black Michael.
- George Featherly
Meets Rassendyll in Paris and gossips about Antoinette Mauban and the Duke of Strelsau.
- Bertram Bertrand
A poet in love with Antoinette Mauban, mentioned in Paris.
Key passages
“I was interested to hear this, and made up my mind to walk next day in the direction of the lodge, on the chance of coming across the king.”
Rassendyll decides to hike toward the hunting lodge the next day, hoping to encounter the king.
Shows Rassendyll's curiosity and the beginning of his involvement with the royal affair.
“All the world knows that Black Michael—well, then, mother, the duke—would give his soul to marry his cousin, the Princess Flavia, and that she is to be the queen.”
The younger daughter explains that Duke Michael desperately wants to marry Princess Flavia, who is destined to become queen.
Reveals the romantic and political rivalry between the brothers.
“He started to see your hair, sir. It's not the colour we see most of here in Zenda.”
Johann was startled by Rassendyll's red hair, which is uncommon in Zenda.
Highlights Rassendyll's resemblance to the Elphberg royal family.