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65 pages 2 hours read

G. K. Chesterton

The Man Who Was Thursday

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1908

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Chapters 3-4Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 3 Summary: “The Man Who Was Thursday”

After Syme reveals he is a policeman, Gregory grabs a revolver from the table and points it at Syme, who reminds him of their promises: “Don’t you see we’ve checkmated each other? I can’t tell the police you are an anarchist. You can’t tell the anarchists I’m a policeman” (15).

The other anarchists enter the room and assume Syme is a member of a local anarchist branch. As acting president, Comrade Buttons calls the meeting to order and asks for nominations. Gregory receives a nomination to be Thursday, but afraid of revealing too much in front of Syme, he gives a lackluster speech. None of the council members are impressed.

Before Gregory’s selection is approved, Syme stands and objects. He calls Gregory’s speech apologetic and picks it apart. Syme’s animated speech elicits applause and murmurs of agreement from the council. He nominates himself for the position. Gregory is furious but cannot reveal Syme’s true identity. He tries to disqualify Syme because of Syme’s lack of experience, but despite Gregory’s opposition, the council confirms Syme as the new Thursday.

The other members leave the room, and Gregory accuses Syme of trapping him with his promise. Syme denies a trap is possible because their promises put them in the same situation. Syme picks up the cloak and brandy flask laid out at Thursday’s place and follows Mr. Buttons to a waiting boat. 

Chapter 4 Summary: “The Tale of a Detective”

The narrative flashes back to Syme’s childhood and its effect on his personality and beliefs. His parents were revolutionists with opinions about everything, and their views usually opposed each other: “Being surrounded with every conceivable kind of revolt from infancy, Gabriel had to revolt into something, so he revolted into the only thing left—sanity” (23). He was once a victim of an anarchist’s dynamite blast, which crystallized his determination to fight against dynamiters and bombers. He begins his fight by writing newspaper articles decrying anarchy, but they are largely ignored.

One evening, Syme walks along the Thames River, lost in thought. A policeman says good evening to Syme. Syme rebuffs the officer’s greeting and criticizes the police department and its treatment of the poor. The policeman tells Syme about a special corps in the police. One of the department leaders believes intellectuals and artists are joining forces against the foundations of society. The special corps aims to recruit men who are philosophers.

The officer tells Syme about a vacancy in the corps and invites him to meet the chief. He tells Syme no one has seen the chief because “he has a fancy for always sitting in a pitch-dark room” (27). Syme accompanies the officer to Scotland Yard and goes into the dark room. He cannot see anything but has the impression the man speaking to him is very large and has his back to him.

Syme says he doesn’t have any experience as a policeman. The chief says Syme’s willingness to serve is enough. He ends the short interview by saying, “I am condemning you to death. Good day” (28). Syme receives a blue card with the words “The Last Crusade” and a number written on it, proof he’s a detective.

The narration returns to the present as Syme arrives at his destination. As he steps off the boat, Syme feels as if he is on another planet, even though he’s familiar with the area. He has a swordstick, a cloak, and a flask of brandy, and “he was, in his own mind, mounting [the steps] to attack the solid thrones of horrible and heathen kings” (29).

Chapters 3-4 Analysis

Identity is one of the main themes in the novel. By the end of Chapter 3, the reader knows Syme is a poet, philosopher, police officer, and member of the anarchist council. Syme is introduced to the men on the council and knows their secret names. Sunday’s identity and the police chief’s identity are a mystery. After Chapter 3, Gregory doesn’t reappear in a significant way until Chapter 15. Syme doesn’t consider him to be a real threat, but Gregory’s true identity is evidence people are not always what they seem. Beginning in Chapter 5, Syme’s greatest challenge is determining who he can trust and what is real.

The characters are not the only element in the story that change rapidly. The settings constantly shift from reality to fantasy, typically through the use of nature. At the beginning of the story, the narrator describes the surroundings as dreamlike and surreal. The pub is shabby and dark. The anarchist’s hideout is underground and foreboding. With few exceptions, the action takes place outdoors, and nature conveys almost as much meaning as the dialogue.

The flashback to Syme’s childhood in Chapter 4 provides insight into his character, identity, and motivation. The description of Syme’s family is humorous and indicative of the comedic tone the author uses: “He came of a family of cranks […] One of his uncles always walked about without a hat, and another had made an unsuccessful attempt to walk about with a hat and nothing else” (23). In subsequent chapters, the comedy is witty, absurd, or farcical, but it always entertains the reader and adds liveliness to the plot.

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