Can You Forgive Her? · Chapter
The Election for the Chelsea Districts explained
George Vavasor campaigns for a seat in Parliament representing the Chelsea districts, using the River Bank embankment as his central issue.
What happens
George Vavasor campaigns for a seat in Parliament representing the Chelsea districts, using the River Bank embankment as his central issue. He works closely with election agent Mr. Scruby, who orchestrates a costly but effective campaign. Despite the expense and his own lack of genuine belief in the cause, Vavasor wins the election, though the financial burden weighs heavily on him.
Themes in this chapter
Politics and Public Life
George Vavasor's election campaign illustrates the mechanics and costs of entering Parliament, including the use of local issues and professional agents.
Wealth and Financial Dependence
Vavasor's need for funds to finance his election highlights his financial dependence on Alice and the burdens of political ambition.
Self-Deception and Moral Growth
George lacks genuine belief in the River Bank issue, yet he works hard to appear passionate, revealing his self-deception about his political motives.
Characters to notice
- George Vavasor
Campaigns for Parliament in Chelsea, adopting the River Bank embankment as his platform; wins the election but faces financial strain.
- Mr. Scruby
Election agent who devises the 'Vavasor and the River Bank' slogan and manages the campaign, demanding further funds.
- Mr. Grimes
Publican and rival canvasser who initially mocks Vavasor's campaign but later admits Scruby's effectiveness.
- Alice Vavasor
George writes to her requesting two thousand pounds to fund his election campaign.
- Kate Vavasor
Mentioned as a potential intermediary for George's financial requests, but he bypasses her due to time constraints.
- Calder Jones
Present in a discussion about Plantagenet Palliser's political future.
- Plantagenet Palliser
Discussed as a likely future Prime Minister by Calder Jones and others.
- Mr. Travers
Opposing candidate in the election; Scruby doubts he will petition the result.
Key passages
““You must have a subject,” pleaded Mr. Scruby. “No young Member can do anything without a subject. And it should be local;—that is to say, if you have anything of a constituency. Such a subject as that, if it’s well worked, may save you thousands of pounds—thousands of pounds at future elections.””
Mr. Scruby advises George that a local issue is essential for a new MP, as it can reduce election costs in the long run.
Scruby emphasizes the strategic use of a parliamentary subject for financial and political gain.
““Upon my word, that was uncommon good,” he said, almost patting Vavasor on the back, after a speech in which he had vehemently asserted that his ambition to represent the Chelsea districts had all come of his long-fixed idea that the glory of future London would be brought about by the embankment of the river at Chelsea.”
Mr. Scruby praises George's speech on the River Bank embankment, though George himself does not believe in the cause.
Highlights George's insincerity and Scruby's focus on effective campaigning.
““And you’ve done it very cheap, Mr. Vavasor,” said Scruby, “considering that the seat is metropolitan. I do say that you have done it cheap. Another thousand, or twelve hundred, will cover everything—say thirteen, perhaps, at the outside.””
Scruby tells George that the election was relatively inexpensive for a metropolitan seat, but additional funds are still needed.
Illustrates the ongoing financial demands of political office.
