The Prisoner of Zenda · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope.

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Chapter 1
I: The Rassendylls—with a Word on the Elphbergs
Rudolf Rassendyll, a young English gentleman of leisure, is chided by his sister-in-law Rose for his idleness and his red hair and long nose, which mark his family's scandalous connection to the royal House of Elphberg of Ruritania. He recounts the 1733 affair between Prince Rudolf of Ruritania and the Countess Amelia, which explains his physical resemblance to the Elphbergs. To appease Rose, he half-promises to take an attaché post with Sir Jacob Borrodaile in six months, but in the meantime decides to visit Ruritania for the coronation of King Rudolf V, pretending he is going to the Tyrol to study political problems.
Chapter 2
II: Concerning the Colour of Men's Hair
Rudolf Rassendyll travels from Paris to Ruritania, encountering Antoinette de Mauban on the train. He stops at Zenda, where he learns from the innkeeper and her daughters about King Rudolf V's upcoming coronation, the rivalry with Black Michael, and the king's red Elphberg hair. A keeper named Johann reacts with surprise to Rassendyll's own red hair, hinting at his resemblance to the king.
Chapter 3
A Merry Evening with a Distant Relative
Rudolf Rassendyll, while walking through the forest of Zenda, falls asleep and dreams of Princess Flavia. He is awakened by Colonel Sapt and Fritz von Tarlenheim, who are astonished by his striking resemblance to the King of Ruritania. The king himself soon appears and, after initial surprise, jovially invites Rassendyll to dine with him at a hunting lodge. Over dinner, the king drinks heartily and treats Rassendyll as a cousin, while Sapt and Fritz express concern about the next day's coronation.
Chapter 4
The King Keeps His Appointment
Rassendyll awakens to find the king drugged and unconscious. With the coronation hours away, Sapt and Fritz convince Rassendyll to impersonate the king in Strelsau. After a hasty shave and change into the king's uniform, the three ride to catch a train, leaving the real king hidden in the wine cellar. They arrive in Strelsau, where Rassendyll is greeted as King Rudolf V.
Chapter 5
The Adventures of an Understudy
Rassendyll, impersonating the king, arrives in Strelsau and is greeted by Marshal Strakencz and other dignitaries. He rides through the city, receiving cheers from the New Town but sullen silence from the Old Town, where Black Michael is popular. At the cathedral, he is crowned as King Rudolf V, with Princess Flavia and Black Michael present. He interacts with Flavia, who notices a change in him, and successfully maintains the deception.

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I: The Rassendylls—with a Word on the Elphbergs

II: Concerning the Colour of Men's Hair

A Merry Evening with a Distant Relative

The King Keeps His Appointment

The Adventures of an Understudy