Phineas Finn · Chapter
The Temptress explained
Phineas Finn, still holding his office, receives a letter from Mary Flood Jones expressing her unwavering support for his principled resignation.
What happens
Phineas Finn, still holding his office, receives a letter from Mary Flood Jones expressing her unwavering support for his principled resignation. He faces taunts from Bonteen and Ratler at the club, which hardens his resolve to support Mr. Monk's bill. He visits Lady Laura Standish, who contemplates exile to Dresden due to her husband's demands, and Phineas reveals his own plan to leave Parliament and return to Dublin.
Themes in this chapter
The Cost of Ambition
Phineas faces the personal and professional costs of his principled stand, including the loss of office and social standing.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Phineas's loyalty to Mr. Monk and his principles is tested against party loyalty, as Bonteen and Ratler accuse him of betrayal.
Love and Marriage
Mary's letter exemplifies the theme of romantic love as a source of strength and sacrifice, while Lady Laura's situation highlights the darker side of marriage.
Characters to notice
- Phineas Finn
Struggles with the decision to resign his office, receives a supportive letter from Mary, endures taunts from Bonteen and Ratler, and visits Lady Laura to discuss their respective futures.
- Mary Flood Jones
Writes a loving letter to Phineas from Floodborough, expressing pride in his principled stand and her willingness to wait for him.
- Lady Laura Standish
Discusses with Phineas the possibility of moving to Dresden to escape her husband Mr. Kennedy's demands for her return.
- Mr. Bonteen
Taunts Phineas at the club about his potential resignation and bets that Phineas will vote against Monk's bill.
- Mr. Ratler
Accuses Phineas of upsetting party calculations and threatens to show the voting list to Mr. Gresham.
- Lord Brentford
Mentioned as being in great wrath over Mr. Kennedy's demand for his wife's return.
- Lord Chiltern
Hints at possibly confronting Mr. Kennedy regarding his sister's situation.
- Mr. Gresham
Advises Phineas to stay in office until after Easter and suggests he consult Mr. Monk.
Key passages
“I shall think more of you as a man who might have been a Prime Minister than if you were really sitting in the Cabinet like Lord Cantrip.”
Mary values Phineas's integrity more than his political success.
Mary's letter expresses pride in Phineas's principled stand over mere office.
“The best charm of a woman is that she should be soft, and trusting, and generous; and who ever had been more soft, more trusting, and more generous than his Mary?”
Phineas idealizes Mary's gentle and trusting nature as the epitome of womanly virtue.
Phineas reflects on Mary's letter and contrasts her with Violet Effingham.
“I think it will end in my going to Dresden, and settling myself there.”
Lady Laura plans to move to Dresden to escape her husband's persecution.
Lady Laura discusses her intention to live abroad to avoid Mr. Kennedy.