IX: Disillusionment explained

What happens

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Themes in this chapter

• Loyalty and Betrayal

  Christopher's loyalty to Roxhythe is shattered by the revelation of secret dealings with France, highlighting the tension between personal loyalty and national betrayal.

• Political Intrigue and Espionage

  The chapter revolves around secret treaties, hidden dispatches, and the manipulation of Parliament and foreign powers, showcasing the pervasive intrigue.

• Honor and Reputation

  Christopher's disillusionment stems from the dishonorable actions of the King and Roxhythe, contrasting his ideal of honor with the reality of political games.

• Appearance vs. Reality

  Roxhythe's calm demeanor and denials mask the truth of his intrigues, and Christopher's perception of his mentor is revealed to be based on illusion.

Characters to notice

• Lord Roxhythe

  Roxhythe is confronted by Christopher about his secret intrigues with France and the King. He defends his actions as part of the game of politics, showing a cynical and pragmatic worldview.

• Christopher Dart

  Christopher is deeply disillusioned after reading his brother's letter and confronting Roxhythe. He struggles to reconcile his love for Roxhythe with the dishonorable actions revealed.

• Roderick Dart

  Roderick's letter to Christopher exposes Roxhythe's secret dealings with France and the King's perfidy, urging Christopher to leave Roxhythe's service.

• King Charles II

  The King is implicated in secret treaties with France and manipulation of Parliament, as revealed in Roderick's letter and Roxhythe's confession.

• Buckingham

  Buckingham is an enemy of Roxhythe, writing doggerels against him and being imprisoned in the Tower after opposing prorogation.

• Lord Ashley-Cooper

  Ashley is mentioned as joining Buckingham in the popular cry against prorogation and being sent to the Tower.

• Monmouth

  Monmouth is referenced as the possible recipient of a letter Christopher delivered, and as the commander of English troops left in Holland.

• M. Barillon

  Barillon is mentioned as having been closeted with the King, suggesting secret dealings with France.

Key passages

• “Ye are Young: it may be thatt Ye are Ignorant of the Machinations of This Man for his Infamous Master.”

  You are young and may not know the schemes this man carries out for his wicked master.

  Roderick warns Christopher about Roxhythe's secret activities for King Charles.

• “It is a game, Christopher, called Politics. You cannot hope to understand the workings of the game; one must be bred up in it.”

  This is a game called politics, which you cannot understand unless you were raised in it.

  Roxhythe dismisses Christopher's moral outrage by framing political intrigue as an esoteric game.

• “I had sooner not understand, replied Christopher. It is too black, too dishonourable!”

  I would rather not understand, said Christopher. It is too dark and dishonorable.

  Christopher rejects Roxhythe's justification, clinging to his sense of honor.