# XI: Politics and Pauline explained — The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane

> Chapter companion for The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane by Mark Rutherford.

## What happens

Zachariah Coleman visits Caillaud and his daughter Pauline, where political and philosophical discussions intertwine with a dance performance. The chapter also covers the growing unrest leading to the Blanketeers' March, the debates in reform clubs, and the opposition of Major Maitland, Caillaud, and Zachariah to the march. Zachariah returns home to his wife's cold reception.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Reform and Revolution

The chapter delves into the debates and plans for the Blanketeers' March, the government's fear of revolution, and the clubs' demands for universal suffrage and land reform.

### Suffering and Resilience

The suffering of the working class is highlighted, along with their desperate but poorly organized attempts to improve their conditions.

### Religion and Hypocrisy

Caillaud's veneration of the crucifix and his reinterpretation of Jesus as a revolutionary figure contrast with Zachariah's wife's cold, ritualistic piety.

### The Role of Women

Pauline's dance is both an expression of art and a source of temptation for Zachariah, while his wife embodies domestic duty and religious observance.

## Character check-ins

### Zachariah Coleman

Engages in political and philosophical debate with Caillaud, watches Pauline's dance, and reluctantly agrees to draw lots to accompany the Blanketeers' March.

### Pauline

Dances for Zachariah and her father, displaying grace and charm, and bids Zachariah a playful curtsey as he leaves.

### Jean Caillaud

Passionately discusses politics and religion, venerates a crucifix, and opposes the Blanketeers' March while supporting the reform cause.

### Major Maitland

Opposes the Blanketeers' March as foolish, but is loyally committed to making it a success; described as externally frivolous but capable when focused.

### Mrs. Zachariah

Waits for Zachariah at home, reading the Bible with a tone of reproach, and suggests they have prayers.

## Key lines

> But the Supreme has a million, or millions, of years before Him.

God has an immense amount of time to work things out.

_Pauline's philosophical remark about divine patience._

> I could drive a knife into the heart of the man who thus talks!

I feel such rage that I could kill the speaker.

_Caillaud's violent reaction to Lord Liverpool's speech._

> Every idea is a sword.

Every concept has the power to cut and change things.

_Caillaud's metaphor for the revolutionary power of ideas._

> The severity of manners to which he had been accustomed tended to produce an effect the very opposite to that which was designed.

The strict moral code he grew up with made him more susceptible to temptation.

_Narrator's observation on the unintended consequences of repressive upbringing._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_revolution_in_tanner_s_lane_se/chapters/xi-politics-and-pauline
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_revolution_in_tanner_s_lane_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_revolution_in_tanner_s_lane_se/chapters