Hadrian the Seventh · Chapter
XX explained
Hadrian holds a consistory to address the calumnies published against Him, dramatically revealing that Cardinal della Volta was His double during the alleged escapade.
What happens
Hadrian holds a consistory to address the calumnies published against Him, dramatically revealing that Cardinal della Volta was His double during the alleged escapade. He then announces the Congress of Windsor's invitation for His arbitration, leaving the cardinals in awe and speculation.
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
Cardinals scheme for political advantage, and Hadrian wields authority to expose and dominate.
- Identity and Self-Perception
Hadrian's use of a double blurs identity; He reflects on His own humanity and worldliness.
- Justice and Vengeance
Hadrian publicly refutes calumnies, turning the tables on His accusers with theatrical justice.
Characters to notice
- Hadrian VII
Presides over the consistory, refutes calumnies by revealing della Volta as His double, and announces the Windsor arbitration invitation.
- Mariano Ragna
Proposes reclaiming Peter's Patrimony; attempts to bribe Sir John for access to the Pope.
- Cardinal della Volta
Identified as the Pope's double; wears the same habit as Hadrian to demonstrate the truth.
- Cardinal Berstein
Sneers at the idea of bi-location; is sharply rebuked by Hadrian.
- Sir John
Gives Hadrian a gentle friction for scrivener's palsy; refuses Ragna's bribe.
- George Semphill
Threatens to send an authentic copy of consistory acts to newspapers.
Key passages
“God, I am very worldly. I have enjoyed the triumph.”
Hadrian confesses to being too attached to worldly success and pleasure in His victory.
Reflects His internal struggle with pride and self-contempt.
“Know also that intrigues, disguises, tricks, artifices, stratagems, and deceptions, are repugnant to Us.”
Hadrian declares His disdain for all forms of deceit and manipulation.
Emphasizes His commitment to transparency and directness.
“The voice of the snake and the voice of the goose are one and the same. They both hiss:”
Hadrian equates the hissing of a snake and a goose to mock Berstein's sneer.
A sharp rebuke showing His wit and dominance.
