Victory · Chapter
V explained
Schomberg, increasingly convinced that Mr.
What happens
Schomberg, increasingly convinced that Mr. Jones and Ricardo are dangerous desperadoes, struggles with his fear and resentment over their presence in his hotel. He attempts to confront them indirectly, but Mr. Jones reveals their lawless nature, claiming they once held a town at bay in Venezuela. Schomberg, feeling desperate and trapped, ultimately yields to their demand to use a music-shed for gambling, despite his misgivings.
Themes in this chapter
Evil and Predation
Mr. Jones and Ricardo embody predatory evil, openly admitting to violent crimes and threatening Schomberg. Their presence transforms the hotel into a site of menace, highlighting the theme of predation.
Gender and Power
Mrs. Schomberg's subjugation is starkly depicted: she is forced to search the guests' luggage under threat, and her husband dismisses her as 'stupid female.' The power imbalance between Schomberg and his wife underscores the theme of gender and power.
Characters to notice
- Schomberg
Schomberg is consumed by fear and resentment toward Mr. Jones and Ricardo, whom he identifies as desperadoes. He vacillates between wanting to expel them and feeling too intimidated to act, ultimately succumbing to their demands.
- Mr. Jones
Mr. Jones is portrayed as a languid, menacing figure who openly admits to his lawless past, including a siege in Venezuela. He manipulates Schomberg with veiled threats and a calm, predatory demeanor.
- Martin Ricardo
Ricardo is Mr. Jones's secretary, described as having a feline, inhuman quality. He confirms their desperate nature with grins and gestures, and his presence adds to Schomberg's unease.
- Mrs. Schomberg
Mrs. Schomberg is a timid, crushed figure who is coerced by her husband into searching the guests' luggage. She lives in fear of Schomberg and is described as unattractive and broken.
Key passages
““By heavens, they are desperadoes!” he thought.”
Schomberg suddenly realizes that Mr. Jones and Ricardo are dangerous criminals.
This marks a turning point in Schomberg's perception, fueling his fear and subsequent actions.
““I must get rid of these two. It won’t do!””
Schomberg decides he needs to expel Mr. Jones and Ricardo from his hotel.
This statement reveals Schomberg's internal conflict and his ultimate failure to act on his resolve.
““We once kept a whole angry town at bay for two days, and then we got away with our plunder. It was in Venezuela.””
Mr. Jones boasts about a past crime where he and Ricardo held a town under siege and escaped with stolen goods.
This confession underscores the theme of evil and predation, and serves as a threat to Schomberg.