# II: Concerning the Colour of Men's Hair explained — The Prisoner of Zenda

> Chapter companion for The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/chapters/ii-concerning-the-colour-of-men-s-hair
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prisoner_of_zenda_se/chapters