Democracy · Chapter
VII explained
Ratcliffe maneuvers to control the new President, a plain Indiana farmer, through political pressure and intrigue, while reflecting on his own disillusionment with politics and his growing attachment to Mrs.
What happens
Ratcliffe maneuvers to control the new President, a plain Indiana farmer, through political pressure and intrigue, while reflecting on his own disillusionment with politics and his growing attachment to Mrs. Lee.
Themes in this chapter
Corruption in Democracy
Ratcliffe orchestrates a web of intrigue, making promises he cannot keep and using 'pressure' to control the President, highlighting the corrupt mechanics of political power.
Power and Ambition
Ratcliffe's relentless pursuit of control over the new President and his disdain for political life reveal his deep ambition and the personal costs of power.
Disillusionment with American Life
Ratcliffe feels disgust and cynicism toward politics, longing for a civilized life with Mrs. Lee, reflecting a broader disillusionment with the American political system.
Characters to notice
- The Honourable Silas P. Ratcliffe
Orchestrates political pressure against the new President, feels disgust with political life, and writes to Wilson Keen for assistance.
- Madeleine Lee
Observes signs of bargain and intrigue among politicians, including Ratcliffe's support for Gore and Schneidekoupon's mysterious interviews.
- Mr. Nathan Gore
Speaks confidently of having Ratcliffe's support for the Spanish mission.
- Mr. Hartbeest Schneidekoupon
Returns mysteriously, speaks of interviews with Ratcliffe and attempts to unite New York and Pennsylvania interests.
- Mr. Carrington
Laughs off Mrs. Lee's questions about political intrigue, saying such matters are private.
- Wilson Keen
Chief of the Secret Service Bureau, summoned by Ratcliffe for a matter of business.
Key passages
“Their principle must be the want of principles.”
The party's guiding idea is to have no guiding ideas.
Highlights the cynical pragmatism of Ratcliffe's political strategy.
“He would have given his Senatorship for a civilized house like Mrs. Lee’s, with a woman like Mrs. Lee at its head, and twenty thousand a year for life.”
He would trade his Senate seat for a refined home with Mrs. Lee and a comfortable income.
Reveals Ratcliffe's deep longing for personal refinement and escape from political life.