The Great Roxhythe · Chapter
VI: Monmouth explained
Roxhythe reveals to King Charles II the details of the Rye House Plot and the Monmouth rising, explaining how he has infiltrated the conspirators and gathered evidence.
What happens
Roxhythe reveals to King Charles II the details of the Rye House Plot and the Monmouth rising, explaining how he has infiltrated the conspirators and gathered evidence. He then confronts Monmouth and Grey, advising Monmouth to go into hiding and later surrender to the King, ultimately saving him from ruin.
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 Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because Christopher experiences a profound emotional and psychological…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Loyalty and Betrayal
Roxhythe's double role as a trusted confidant to both the King and the conspirators highlights the tension between loyalty to the crown and betrayal of the plotters.
- Political Intrigue and Espionage
Roxhythe's infiltration of the Whig plots, his manipulation of informants like Keyling and Rumsey, and his careful orchestration of evidence exemplify political espionage.
- Power and Ambition
Monmouth's ambition to claim the throne and the conspirators' desire to exclude James drive the plot, while Roxhythe's actions secure the King's power.
Characters to notice
- Lord Roxhythe
Reveals the plot to the King and later advises Monmouth to go into hiding.
- King Charles II
Listens to Roxhythe's account of the conspiracy and expresses concern for Monmouth.
- Monmouth
Confronted by Roxhythe; initially terrified and betrayed, then advised to flee and surrender later.
- Lord Grey
Accuses Roxhythe of betrayal and draws his sword, but is restrained by Monmouth.
Key passages
“All is meet for the sacrifice”
Everything is ready for the sacrifice.
Roxhythe announces that the time has come to act against the conspirators.
“I have very effectually prevented your rising against King Charles. Is it possible that you do not realize how futile such a rising would have been?”
I have effectively stopped your rebellion against King Charles. Don't you see how pointless it would have been?
Roxhythe explains to Monmouth that he has actually saved him from a doomed uprising.
