XIII: Saulsby Wood explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Ambition and Social Mobility

  Phineas's anxiety about hiring a servant and his desire to appear worthy of Lady Laura highlight his social climbing and the pressures of his new political life.

• Class and Wealth

  Phineas's financial worries over the cost of a servant, gun, and travel underscore the class distinctions and economic challenges faced by a young MP without a fortune.

• Politics and Patronage

  The chapter illustrates the role of political patronage through invitations to influential houses like Loughlinter and Saulsby, and Mr. Ratler's mentoring of Phineas.

Characters to notice

• Phineas Finn

  Phineas prepares for his visit to Loughlinter, hires a servant, and travels to Saulsby Wood. He rides with Violet Effingham and discusses Lord Chiltern.

• Violet Effingham

  Violet is at Saulsby Wood, not going to Loughlinter. She rides with Phineas and reminisces about a childhood incident with Lord Chiltern.

• Laurence Fitzgibbon

  Laurence teases Phineas about his invitations to Saulsby and Loughlinter, and mentions Violet Effingham as a potential heiress.

• Lady Glencora Palliser

  Lady Glencora is at Saulsby Wood, riding and engaging in political banter with Lord Brentford.

• Lord Chiltern

  Lord Chiltern is discussed by Phineas and Violet; Violet recalls a childhood memory with him at a cottage in Saulsby Wood.

• Mr. Ratler

  Mr. Ratler is at Saulsby Wood and later travels with Phineas to Loughlinter, teaching him about parliamentary life.

• Lord Brentford

  Lord Brentford is the host at Saulsby Wood and rides with the party, discussing politics with Lady Glencora.

• Mr. Low

  Phineas visits Mr. Low before leaving London; Mr. Low offers advice and encouragement about Phineas's parliamentary career.

Key passages

• ““So you won’t come to Moydrum again?” said Laurence Fitzgibbon to his friend. “Not this autumn, Laurence. Your father would think that I want to live there.” “Bedad, it’s my father would be glad to see you⁠—and the oftener the better.” “The fact is, my time is filled up.””

  Laurence Fitzgibbon asks Phineas if he will visit Moydrum again, but Phineas declines, saying his schedule is too full.

  This exchange shows Phineas's rising social engagements and his careful navigation of invitations.

• ““I think it is because he listens so well,” said one man. “But the women would not like him for that,” said another. “He has studied when to listen and when to talk,” said a third. The truth, however, was, that Phineas Finn had made no study in the matter at all. It was simply his nature to be pleasant.”

  People speculate about Phineas's charm, attributing it to his listening skills, but the narrator reveals it is simply his natural pleasantness.

  This passage highlights Phineas's innate social grace, which aids his political and personal relationships.