Hadrian the Seventh · Chapter
XIII explained
Hadrian walks with Cardinal Semphill, visits the English Ambassador, and prepares for a meeting with Kaiser William II.
What happens
Hadrian walks with Cardinal Semphill, visits the English Ambassador, and prepares for a meeting with Kaiser William II. The chapter explores political tensions between the Vatican and European powers, Hadrian's personal reflections, and his strategic withdrawal to write and contemplate.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Closing
In this scene, Hadrian reaches an emotional and psychological peak by violently rejecting his own past efforts…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Power and Corruption
The chapter explores political maneuvering between the Pope, the Kaiser, and the King of Italy, highlighting distrust and the use of religious authority for political ends.
- Identity and Self-Perception
Hadrian's introspection, his dream of flying naked, and his withdrawal to write reflect his struggle with his dual identity as a private man and a public pontiff.
- Isolation and Artistic Struggle
Hadrian seeks solitude to write and burn writings, grappling with the creative and emotional demands of his role.
Characters to notice
- Hadrian VII
Walks with Cardinal Semphill, visits the English Ambassador, receives the Kaiser, and retreats to write and contemplate.
- George Semphill
Accompanies Hadrian on a walk, discusses literature, and entertains embassy secretaries.
- Sir Francis Bertram
English Ambassador who hosts Hadrian for tea and discusses England's alliance with Turkey.
- William II
Kaiser who seeks an audience with Hadrian, discusses political tensions, and arranges a meeting.
- Cardinal Popk
German cardinal who advises the Kaiser against meeting Hadrian, warning of potential affront.
- Victor Emanuel
Southern Emperor who converses with the Kaiser about historical grievances with the Vatican.
- Cardinal Nefski
Mentioned as one of Hadrian's cardinals who describes the Pope as a madman with a primitive apostolic pose.
Key passages
“I mean that I cherish the memory of all ecclesiastical pinpricks which formerly were administered to my father and grandfather.”
Victor Emanuel recalls past slights from the Church against his family.
Reflects the King's deep-seated resentment toward the Vatican.
“Our Most Holy Father is English; and, being English, He has the English quality of cynicism.”
Cardinal Popk warns the Kaiser that Hadrian's English nature makes him cynical and anti-German.
Highlights national and cultural prejudices influencing political perceptions.
“He thought for hours at a stretch, smoking cigarette after cigarette, gazing out of the window or across autumnal lawns.”
Hadrian spends long periods in contemplation, smoking and looking out at the gardens.
Illustrates his introspective and solitary nature.
