Savrola · Chapter
II: The Head of the State explained
President Molara returns to the palace after a violent encounter with a mob.
What happens
President Molara returns to the palace after a violent encounter with a mob. He discusses the situation with Colonel Sorrento and orders the arrest of Moret, though he later decides to be magnanimous. Lucile, his wife, anxiously awaits him and reflects on her life, her fading influence, and her desire to help her husband amid the growing political unrest.
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 Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because Lieutenant Tiro, having risked his life to reach the rebel headqua…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Revolution and the Struggle for Power
The President's return from a violent confrontation with the mob and his discussions with Sorrento highlight the ongoing struggle between the government and revolutionary forces.
- Gender, Seduction, and Political Manipulation
Lucile's reflections on her role as a political hostess and her waning influence illustrate the intersection of gender, beauty, and political power.
- The Power and Volatility of the Crowd
The mob's violent reaction to the President and Moret's incitement demonstrate the crowd's power and volatility in shaping political events.
Characters to notice
- President Antonio Molara
Returns to the palace after facing a mob; discusses the riot with Colonel Sorrento and orders the arrest of Moret before deciding to be magnanimous.
- Lucile
Anxiously awaits her husband's return; reflects on her past happiness and current sense of helplessness as political unrest grows.
- Colonel Sorrento
Military chief of Police and War-Minister; reports to the President about the mob and suggests strong measures.
- Miguel
The President's secretary; presents papers for review, including commissions, promotions, and the budget.
- Señor Louvet
Mentioned as having declined the dinner invitation, allegedly due to business but suspected by the President to be afraid of the streets.
- Moret
Civic Councillor who incited the mob from a hotel balcony; the President considers his arrest.
Key passages
“She had mixed in matters of State. Suave and courtly ambassadors had thrown out delicate hints, and she had replied with unofficial answers.”
Lucile had been involved in political affairs, receiving subtle suggestions from diplomats and giving informal responses.
Highlights Lucile's past political influence and her role as a confidante in state matters.
“Can I do nothing, nothing? she murmured. Have I played my part? Is the best of life over? and then, with a hot wave of petulant resolve, I will do it—but what?”
Lucile feels helpless and wonders if her usefulness has ended, but then resolves to act, though she does not know what to do.
Captures Lucile's frustration and determination to regain purpose amid the political crisis.
“Betrayed? What audacity! Surely such language would come within the 20th Section of the Constitution: 'Inciting to violence against the person of the Head of the State by misrepresentation or otherwise.'”
The President is outraged by Moret's accusation of betrayal and notes that such speech violates the constitutional clause against inciting violence.
Shows the President's reliance on legal mechanisms to suppress dissent.
