The Secret City · Chapter
III explained
The narrator contrasts Henry Bohun with John Trenchard, another Englishman who had come to Russia two years earlier, and describes Bohun's journey to Petrograd with Jerry Lawrence.
What happens
The narrator contrasts Henry Bohun with John Trenchard, another Englishman who had come to Russia two years earlier, and describes Bohun's journey to Petrograd with Jerry Lawrence. Lawrence, who spent his first fifteen years in Russia but has been reluctant to return, is initially uncommunicative and dismissive of Bohun's romanticized notions about Russia. Their journey is marked by Bohun's patronizing attitude, a humiliating incident at the Swedish customs, and Lawrence's refusal to engage with Bohun's literary and mystical ideas.
Themes in this chapter
Cultural Misunderstanding
Bohun's romanticized and patronizing views of Russia clash with Lawrence's practical experience, highlighting the gap between expectation and reality.
Identity and Self-Discovery
Lawrence's hidden past and reluctance to reveal his Russian background suggest a complex identity, while Bohun's need to be taken seriously reveals his own insecurities.
Characters to notice
- Henry Bohun
Young Englishman traveling to Russia, patronizing and idealistic, humiliated at Swedish customs.
- Jerry Lawrence
Bohun's traveling companion, former Cambridge rugby captain, spent 15 years in Russia, reluctant to return, appears indifferent and uncommunicative.
- John Trenchard
Another Englishman who arrived in Russia two years earlier, contrasted with Bohun as shy, self-doubting, humble, and brave.
Key passages
“But it’s the mysticism of the Russian peasant which will save the world. That adoration of God. ... 'Rot!' interrupted Lawrence.”
Bohun declares that the Russian peasant's mysticism will save the world, but Lawrence bluntly dismisses this as nonsense.
Illustrates the clash between Bohun's idealism and Lawrence's cynical realism.
“He always gave the impression of being half asleep, he had a way of suddenly lurching on his legs as though in another moment his desire for slumber would be too strong for him, and would send him crashing to the ground.”
Lawrence appeared perpetually drowsy, often swaying as if about to fall asleep standing up.
Describes Lawrence's deceptive, lethargic demeanor.