Phineas Finn · Chapter
The News About Mr. Mildmay and Sir Everard explained
Phineas Finn visits Lady Laura Standish to celebrate the political victory, but his enthusiasm is dampened by the presence of Mr.
What happens
Phineas Finn visits Lady Laura Standish to celebrate the political victory, but his enthusiasm is dampened by the presence of Mr. Kennedy. After Kennedy leaves, Lady Laura advises Phineas to be more diplomatic and civil to influential people like Kennedy. Later, a gathering of liberal political figures brings news that Mr. Mildmay may not become Prime Minister and that Sir Everard Powell has died.
Themes in this chapter
Politics and Patronage
The chapter centers on political maneuvering, club influence, and the importance of connections for career advancement, as seen in Phineas's desire to join Brooks's and Lady Laura's advice on cultivating useful relationships.
Ambition and Social Mobility
Phineas's ambition is evident in his eagerness to learn the political news and his willingness to change dinner plans to please Lady Laura, highlighting his drive to rise in society.
Characters to notice
- Phineas Finn
Visits Lady Laura to celebrate the political success, feels overshadowed by Mr. Kennedy, and later accepts Lord Chiltern's dinner invitation at Lady Laura's request.
- Lady Laura Standish
Hosts Phineas and others; advises Phineas on political tact and asks him to oblige her by dining with Lord Chiltern.
- Mr. Kennedy
Present at Lady Laura's, discusses the political situation from Brooks's; Phineas dislikes him.
- Laurence Fitzgibbon
Walks with Phineas towards Portman Square but turns into Brooks's; later arrives at Lady Laura's with the Bonteens.
- Lord Chiltern
Visits Lady Laura, criticizes place-seekers in Parliament, and invites Phineas to dine at Moroni's.
- Barrington Erle
Arrives at Lady Laura's gathering of liberal political notabilities.
- Mr. Ratler
The Whip, visits Lady Laura briefly in a hurry.
- Lord James FitzHoward
Brings news that the Duke of St. Bungay is going to Windsor with Mr. Mildmay.
Key passages
“Nothing, as he told himself, of political import was managed at the Reform Club. No influence from thence was ever brought to bear upon the adjustment of places under the Government, or upon the arrangement of cabinets.”
Phineas realized that the Reform Club had no real power over government appointments or cabinet decisions.
Reflects Phineas's growing understanding of where true political influence lies.
“I don't find it quite so easy to make up my mind as you do. I am inclined to think that Mr. Mildmay will form a government; and as long as there is that prospect, I need hardly commit myself to an opinion as to his probable successor.”
Lady Laura is more cautious than Phineas, preferring to wait for Mr. Mildmay's decision before speculating on a successor.
Highlights Lady Laura's political prudence compared to Phineas's impulsiveness.
“You must not then be so impetuous, and you must be a little more careful to be civil to persons to whom you may not take any particular fancy. Now Mr. Kennedy is a man who may be very useful to you.”
Lady Laura advises Phineas to be polite to people like Mr. Kennedy, as they can help his career.
Illustrates the theme of patronage and the necessity of strategic social behavior.
