Skip to main content
Chaptra
Cover of In the Name of the People

In the Name of the People

Written by Arthur W. Marchmont

Not rated yet — tap a star to review it

Chaptra reads alongside you — AI insights, chapter breakdowns and reader discussions for every book. Join free

About this book

"In the Name of the People" by Arthur W. Marchmont is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Ralph Donnington, an Englishman who arrives in Lisbon with a dual purpose: to pursue a romantic interest in the beautiful Miralda Dominguez and to explore business opportunities related to mining concessions in East Africa. As he navigates his quest for love and fortune, he becomes embroiled in the political unrest of the city, facing danger and intrigue along the way. At the start of the narrative, Ralph writes a letter to his sister, detailing his arrival in Lisbon and his eagerness to reunite with Miralda. However, his initial excitement quickly turns to peril as he finds himself caught in the chaos of a street riot, where he witnesses the brutality of the police and the desperation of the mob. Following this tumultuous introduction, Ralph’s determination to see Miralda leads him to unexpected dangers, including a confrontation with armed assailants holding a mysterious woman captive. This encounter sets the stage for a series of dramatic events involving political conspiracies, romantic entanglements, and the growing threats posed by the unrest in the city.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in In the Name of the People, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • Intriguing
  • Romantic
  • Adventurous

Arthur W. Marchmont's "In the Name of the People" plunges English adventurer Ralph Donnington into the volatile political landscape of early 20th-century Lisbon. Initially arriving with hopes of pursuing a romantic interest in Miralda Dominguez and securing East African mining concessions, Ralph quickly finds himself entangled in urban unrest and dangerous conspiracies. His quest for love and fortune becomes inextricably linked with the city's turmoil, forcing him to confront police brutality, mob desperation, and armed assailants. The narrative unfolds as a thrilling blend of romance, political intrigue, and personal peril, challenging Ralph's resolve and ideals amidst a city on the brink.

"Lisbon holds both my heart's desire and the key to my fortune, if only I can navigate its treacherous currents."

Key themes

Political Unrest & Revolution
The novel prominently features the volatile political climate of Lisbon, depicted through street riots, police brutality, mob desperation, and underlying conspiracies. This theme explores the causes and effects of societal upheaval, the clash between authorities and the populace, and the dangers inherent in periods of political instability.
Danger & Intrigue
Pervading the narrative is a constant atmosphere of danger and intrigue, stemming from the political unrest and the clandestine activities Ralph encounters. This theme explores how individuals react when faced with unexpected peril, the excitement and fear generated by secrets, and the psychological toll of living in a volatile environment.
Love vs. Ambition
Ralph Donnington's journey is driven by a dual quest: the romantic pursuit of Miralda Dominguez and the ambitious goal of securing mining concessions. This theme explores the tension and interplay between personal desires for love and professional or financial aspirations, often showing how one can complicate or enhance the other.

Worth discussing

How does Ralph Donnington's personal quest for love and fortune intersect with the broader political unrest in Lisbon? Are his motivations purely selfish, or does he develop a sense of civic responsibility?

Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.

Discussions

No one has started one yet

Join

Questions this book opens up

No discussions yet

Be the first to start a discussion about this book!

Sign up to start the discussion

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to review this book!