Tadie - Chesterton's Notting Hill

Dr. Andrew Tadie, a professor at the University of Seattle, came to speak to the scholars on the literature of GK Chesterton, specifically Napoleon of Notting Hill. The novel portrays a futuristic London that devolves into a feudalistic state structure. In this society, Tadie explained, there is a system of fiefdoms divided along the lines of traditional London neighborhoods, with lords ruling over them. The towering flame-haired Lord of Notting Hill, Adam Wayne, and the enigma that is the cynical comic of a king, Auberon Quin, dominate the story.

Dr. Tadie emphasized the motivating factor of this and other Chesterton’s works, imagination. This underlying motivation was compared to the “moral imagination” described by Edmund Burke, which the scholars learned about in the fall when studying the works of Russell Kirk. Tadie had a wealth of knowledge and information to share on the book and the background of Chesterton. He was very forthcoming with the literary qualities of Chesterton such as his use of the traditional Shakespearean methods of plot development.

The discussion portion of the meeting offered scholars the chance to debate the core human desires in the structuring the state. HG Wells, a friendly rival to Chesterton, advocated for a universalistic state in the interest of “peace, prosperity, and routine.” Chesterton, as depicted in his novel, seemed to favor decentralization in the interest of vitality among other things. The contrasting views had scholars lining up on both sides. Some argued for the futuristic collectivism and global society of Wells while others favored the modified feudal structure of Chesterton’s Adam Wayne and King Auberon. Tadie was instrumental in underlining the philosophical difference of GK Chesterton and HG Wells in their respective works, Napoleon of Notting Hill and The Things to Come.