Democracy · Chapter
VI explained
During a Mount Vernon excursion, the party debates George Washington's legacy and modern political morality.
What happens
During a Mount Vernon excursion, the party debates George Washington's legacy and modern political morality. Ratcliffe argues that contemporary politics requires pragmatism and even vice, while Carrington and Gore defend Washington's virtue. Mrs. Lee grows introspective, questioning her own moral compromise in Washington society. Meanwhile, Victoria Dare playfully engages Lord Dunbeg, and Carrington subtly provokes Ratcliffe by highlighting Washington's integrity.
Themes in this chapter
Idealism vs. Pragmatism
The central debate between Ratcliffe's pragmatic politics and Carrington/Gore's defense of Washington's idealistic virtue.
Disillusionment with American Life
Mrs. Lee's internal conflict and sense of moral contamination reflect a growing disillusionment with Washington society.
Corruption in Democracy
Ratcliffe openly argues that vice may be necessary for political success, highlighting systemic corruption.
Characters to notice
- The Honourable Silas P. Ratcliffe
Defends pragmatic politics, dismisses Washington's methods as outdated, and shows vanity when Mrs. Lee compares him to Washington.
- Madeleine Lee
Reflects on her own moral state, feeling 'unclean' compared to Mount Vernon's purity, and is troubled by Ratcliffe's cynicism.
- Mr. Carrington
Deliberately provokes Ratcliffe by praising Washington's virtue, and shares anecdotes about Washington's meticulousness.
- Little Victoria Dare
Playfully teases Lord Dunbeg with absurd remarks about sundials and the Burlington Hawkeye, and later jokes about being Martha Washington.
- Lord Dunbeg
Struggles to keep up with Victoria Dare's rapid conversation, and asks Carrington about Washington's political skill.
- Mr. Nathan Gore
Defends Washington's virtue and criticizes Ratcliffe's pragmatic view of politics.
Key passages
“Public men cannot be dressing themselves today in Washington's old clothes. If Washington were President now, he would have to learn our ways or lose his next election. Only fools and theorists imagine that our society can be handled with gloves or long poles. One must make one's self a part of it. If virtue won't answer our purpose, we must use vice, or our opponents will put us out of office, and this was as true in Washington's day as it is now, and always will be.”
Ratcliffe argues that modern politicians cannot emulate Washington's outdated methods; they must adapt to the corrupt realities of politics or risk losing power.
Ratcliffe's blunt defense of political pragmatism and willingness to use vice.
“Why do I feel unclean when I look at Mount Vernon? In spite of Mr. Ratcliffe, is it not better to be a child and to cry for the moon and stars?”
Mrs. Lee questions her own moral compromise, feeling tainted by Washington society and longing for a purer, more idealistic outlook.
Mrs. Lee's moment of self-doubt and disillusionment.