Can You Forgive Her? · Chapter
Parliament Meets explained
The chapter opens with the opening of Parliament on February 12th, focusing on Mr.
What happens
The chapter opens with the opening of Parliament on February 12th, focusing on Mr. Palliser's political maneuvering. The narrative describes the political intrigue surrounding the Chancellor of the Exchequer's rumored resignation, the debate on the Address, and Mr. Palliser's successful speech on taxation. Meanwhile, Lady Glencora returns to London from Matching Priory, conflicted about her feelings toward Burgo Fitzgerald and resentful of her cousin Iphy Palliser's interference.
Themes in this chapter
Politics and Public Life
The chapter details the opening of Parliament, political maneuvering, and Mr. Palliser's rising influence, highlighting the theatrical nature of political debate.
Duty vs. Desire
Lady Glencora struggles between her duty as Mr. Palliser's wife and her lingering feelings for Burgo Fitzgerald, seeking to be saved yet uncertain if she truly wishes to be.
Characters to notice
- Plantagenet Palliser
Takes his seat in Parliament, delivers a well-received speech on taxation, and returns home triumphant to Lady Glencora.
- Lady Glencora Palliser
Returns to London from Matching Priory at her own request, feeling conflicted about Burgo Fitzgerald and resentful of Iphy Palliser's interference.
- Mr. Bott
Sits close behind Mr. Palliser in the House, prompting him with figures during his speech.
- Alice Vavasor
Mentioned as having advised Lady Glencora against visiting Monkshade; Lady Glencora looks to Alice to save her from Burgo.
- Iphy Palliser
Revealed to have told Lady Glencora about Alice's advice, thereby preventing the visit to Monkshade; Lady Glencora hates her for it.
- Burgo Fitzgerald
Implied as the source of a secret letter delivered to Lady Glencora at Matching Priory.
Key passages
“There is something very pleasant in the close, bosom friendship, and bitter, uncompromising animosity, of these human gods—of these human beings who would be gods were they not shorn so short of their divinity in that matter of immortality.”
The intense friendships and enmities among politicians are entertaining, much like the drama of gods on Olympus.
The narrator compares political rivalries to the conflicts of ancient gods, emphasizing the theatrical nature of Parliament.
“There are many rocks which a young speaker in Parliament should avoid, but no rock which requires such careful avoiding as the rock of eloquence.”
A young MP should avoid being too eloquent, as it is a greater fault than inaccuracy or long-windedness.
The narrator critiques Mr. Fitzhoward's overly polished speech, suggesting that eloquence is a political liability.
“Lady Glencora looked to Alice to save her, and yet it may be doubted whether she did, in truth, wish to be saved.”
Lady Glencora relies on Alice to rescue her from temptation, but she is ambivalent about actually wanting to be rescued.
Highlights Lady Glencora's internal conflict between duty and desire regarding Burgo Fitzgerald.