The Secret Agent · Chapter
Chapter IV explained
Ossipon confronts the Professor about his indiscriminate distribution of explosives, leading to a philosophical debate on anarchist tactics and the role of legality.
What happens
Ossipon confronts the Professor about his indiscriminate distribution of explosives, leading to a philosophical debate on anarchist tactics and the role of legality. The Professor reveals that he provided the bomb to Verloc, who used it in the Greenwich Park explosion. Ossipon is shocked and contemplates the implications, while the Professor defends his methods and criticizes the revolutionary movement's lack of decisive action.
Themes in this chapter
Anarchism and Terrorism
The Professor advocates for indiscriminate violence and destruction as a means to overthrow social order, contrasting with Ossipon's more cautious approach.
Futility of Violence
The debate between Ossipon and the Professor questions the effectiveness of violent acts, with the Professor's logic appearing detached and potentially self-defeating.
Moral Squalor and Corruption
The Professor's cold, amoral justification for giving explosives to anyone and his disdain for conventional morality underscore the moral decay within the anarchist circle.
Characters to notice
- Comrade Ossipon
Engages in a tense debate with the Professor about anarchist tactics and is shocked to learn Verloc was the recipient of the bomb.
- The Perfect Anarchist
Defends his philosophy of indiscriminate destruction and reveals he provided the bomb to Verloc, criticizing the revolutionary movement's inaction.
- Mr. Verloc
Revealed by the Professor as the person who obtained the bomb for the Greenwich Park explosion; discussed as a former comrade and shopkeeper.
- Mrs. Verloc
Mentioned by Ossipon in the context of Verloc's marriage and the shop; Ossipon wonders what she will do now.
- Karl Yundt
Referenced by the Professor as an example of anarchists who talk and plot but do nothing.
- Chief Inspector Heat
Mentioned by the Professor as a figure whose violent suppression of anarchists would help their cause.
Key passages
“The condemned social order has not been built up on paper and ink, and I don't fancy that a combination of paper and ink will ever put an end to it, whatever you may think.”
The Professor dismisses propaganda as ineffective, arguing that only direct action can dismantle the current system.
Highlights the Professor's belief in violent action over intellectual or written efforts.
“To break up the superstition and worship of legality should be our aim. Nothing would please me more than to see Inspector Heat and his likes take to shooting us down in broad daylight with the approval of the public.”
The Professor wants to destroy respect for the law, hoping police violence against anarchists will trigger public backlash and societal collapse.
Reveals the Professor's strategic goal of provoking state repression to accelerate revolution.
“I would shovel my stuff in heaps at the corners of the streets if I had enough for that; and as I haven't, I do my best by perfecting a really dependable detonator.”
The Professor would distribute explosives freely if possible, but instead focuses on creating reliable detonators.
Emphasizes his commitment to widespread destruction and his technical role in the anarchist movement.