Bertram Cope’s Year · Chapter
VII: Cope Under Scrutiny explained
Bertram Cope writes to Arthur Lemoyne, detailing his growing interactions with Basil Randolph.
What happens
Bertram Cope writes to Arthur Lemoyne, detailing his growing interactions with Basil Randolph. Randolph visits Cope's modest lodgings, invites him to dinner and the theatre, and discusses topics such as the Bacon-Shakespeare cipher and Cope's academic pursuits. Cope expresses his desire for Lemoyne to join him, emphasizing his need for companionship and musical collaboration.
Themes in this chapter
Social Manipulation and Patronage
Randolph's careful probing of Cope's background and his strategic invitations reflect a patronizing interest and subtle manipulation.
Unrequited and Ambiguous Desire
Cope's intense longing for Lemoyne's presence and Randolph's lingering physical contact with Cope suggest unspoken emotional and romantic tensions.
Youth vs. Middle Age
The contrast between Cope's youth and Randolph's age (about fifty) is explicitly noted, highlighting the generational dynamic in their relationship.
Characters to notice
- Bertram Cope
Writes a lengthy letter to Arthur Lemoyne, describing his interactions with Basil Randolph and his longing for Lemoyne's company.
- Basil Randolph
Visits Cope's lodgings, invites him to dinner and the theatre, and discusses the Bacon-Shakespeare cipher and Cope's academic plans.
- Arthur Lemoyne
The recipient of Cope's letter; Cope urges him to leave Winnebago and join him in Churchton.
- Joe Foster
Mentioned briefly as the subject of Randolph's earlier investigation.
Key passages
“I let him learn for himself that I was far from being lodged in any architectural monument.”
Cope allowed Randolph to see that his living quarters were not impressive or grand.
Cope's self-deprecating description of his modest lodgings.
“You have the small change needed for paying your way through society.”
Randolph compliments Cope on having the social skills necessary to navigate polite society.
Randolph's assessment of Cope's social competence.
“I miss you like the devil; nobody does my things as sympathetically as you do.”
Cope expresses deep longing for Lemoyne, emphasizing that no one else interprets his music as well.
Cope's emotional appeal for Lemoyne to join him.
“He came across and sat on the arm of the big easy-chair. 'If you went over there and discovered all that, the English scholars would never forgive you.'”
Randolph sat close to Cope and joked that English academics would resent an American uncovering the truth about Shakespeare's authorship.
A moment of physical closeness and playful banter between Randolph and Cope.