Jorge of Burgos's Fanaticism
The Name of the RoseThe blind librarian's obsessive defense of the library and his belief that he is doing God's work.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
The Guardian of the Library

A Life Devoted to Books
The Young Scholar
Jorge of Burgos came to the abbey as a young man. He was a brilliant scholar, fluent in Greek and Arabic. He traveled to Silos to acquire manuscripts, including the forbidden book.
The Discovery of Aristotle
Jorge found the second book of Aristotle's Poetics in Silos. He read it and was horrified by its teachings on laughter. He decided that the book must never be read by anyone else.
The Rise to Power
Jorge became librarian and later the power behind the throne. He manipulated the appointment of abbots and librarians to ensure the library's secrets remained hidden. He saw himself as the protector of Christian truth.
The Poisoner

Preparing the Trap
Stealing the Poison
Years ago, Jorge stole a powerful poison from Severinus's infirmary. He kept it hidden, waiting for the right moment to use it.
Coating the Pages
When he sensed that the forbidden book was in danger of being discovered, he coated its pages with the poison. Anyone who read it would die. This was his ultimate defense.
The First Victims
Venantius, Berengar, and Malachi all died from touching the poisoned pages. Jorge did not directly kill them, but he set the trap. He believed their deaths were justified.
The Final Confrontation

The Old Man's Last Stand
Waiting in the Finis Africae
Jorge waits in the secret room, knowing William will come. He has already killed the abbot. He is prepared to die for his cause.
The Debate
William and Jorge argue about the nature of truth and laughter. Jorge is unyielding. He believes that laughter is the Devil's tool and that the book must be destroyed.
Self-Destruction
Jorge eats the poisoned pages, destroying the book. He laughs maniacally as he does so. In the struggle, a fire starts, and Jorge perishes in the flames. His fanaticism leads to the destruction of everything he sought to protect.
Decades before the story
Before the story
Night of the sixth day