Phineas Finn · Chapter
Phineas Finn Takes His Seat explained
Phineas Finn travels to London with serious thoughts about his new role as a Member of Parliament.
What happens
Phineas Finn travels to London with serious thoughts about his new role as a Member of Parliament. He meets Laurence Fitzgibbon on the boat, who downplays the significance of his election and shares cynical views about parliamentary work. Upon arriving, Phineas takes his seat in the House, listens to the Queen's speech and the Address debate, and feels overwhelmed by the experience. He finds comfort in his landlady Mrs. Bunce's genuine admiration for his achievement.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Social Mobility
Phineas reflects on his unlikely rise from a poor Irish background to a seat in Parliament, and the challenges of making his mark.
Politics and Patronage
Fitzgibbon's cynical view of politics as a game for patronage and pay contrasts with Phineas's idealistic desire to serve the country.
The Cost of Ambition
Phineas grapples with the personal and emotional costs of his political ambition, including the neglect of his romantic feelings for Mary Flood Jones.
Characters to notice
- Phineas Finn
Newly elected MP for Loughshane, traveling to London with serious thoughts about his parliamentary duties and the challenges ahead.
- Laurence Fitzgibbon
An experienced MP and friend of Phineas, who downplays the significance of Phineas's election and shares cynical views about Parliament.
- Barrington Erle
Referenced in Phineas's thoughts as someone who would despise him if he didn't follow the party line.
- Mrs. Bunce
Phineas's landlady in Great Marlborough Street, who is genuinely impressed by his becoming a Member of Parliament.
- Mary Flood Jones
Briefly mentioned as the subject of Phineas's romantic thoughts, though he is more focused on his political career.
- Mr. Daubeny
Referenced as the leader of the Conservative party, nicknamed 'Dubby' by Fitzgibbon.
Key passages
“Would he make a failure of this great matter which he had taken in hand? He could not but tell himself that the chances were twenty to one against him.”
Phineas worries he will fail in his new political career, believing the odds are heavily against him.
Phineas's self-doubt about his ability to succeed in Parliament.
“He would go to his work honestly and conscientiously, determined to do his duty as best he might, let the results to himself be what they would.”
He resolves to work diligently and with integrity, regardless of personal consequences.
Phineas's noble resolution to serve his country earnestly.
“As far as I can see as yet, we are sure to have seventeen.”
Fitzgibbon predicts a Liberal majority of seventeen seats.
Fitzgibbon's assessment of the political arithmetic.
“Doing things, as you call it, is only bidding for power—for patronage and pay.”
Fitzgibbon argues that political action is merely a means to gain power and benefits.
Fitzgibbon's cynical view of parliamentary work.