Phineas Finn · Chapter
The Second Reading Is Carried explained
The chapter details the final days of the debate on the Reform Bill, culminating in a tied vote that is decided by the Speaker's casting vote in favor of the Government.
What happens
The chapter details the final days of the debate on the Reform Bill, culminating in a tied vote that is decided by the Speaker's casting vote in favor of the Government. Phineas Finn faces personal embarrassments: Mr. Quintus Slide discusses his political ambitions and names Loughton as a potential constituency, and Mr. Clarkson publicly confronts Phineas in the lobby about a debt owed by Laurence Fitzgibbon. Phineas confronts Fitzgibbon afterward but is brushed off. Meanwhile, Bunce persists in his plan to sue the police for false imprisonment, despite advice from Phineas and Mr. Low to drop the matter.
Themes in this chapter
Politics and Patronage
The chapter highlights the maneuvering around the Reform Bill, the role of party whips like Ratler and Roby, and the influence of aristocratic patronage as seen in Phineas's thoughts about Saulsby and Loughton.
The Cost of Ambition
Phineas's public humiliation by Clarkson over a debt not his own illustrates the personal and financial costs of his political career and association with Fitzgibbon.
Honor and Integrity
Phineas's distress at being linked to a debt and his desire to clear his name reflect his concern for personal honor, while Bunce's pursuit of 'redress' raises questions about justice and vengeance.
Characters to notice
- Phineas Finn
Embarrassed by Mr. Clarkson's public demand for payment in the lobby; confronts Laurence Fitzgibbon about the debt; advises Bunce against litigation.
- Mr. Quintus Slide
Discusses his ambition to enter Parliament and names Loughton as a potential constituency; encourages Bunce's lawsuit behind Phineas's back.
- Mr. Clarkson
Publicly accosts Phineas in the lobby of the House about a debt incurred by Laurence Fitzgibbon.
- Laurence Fitzgibbon
Dismisses Phineas's complaint about Clarkson; leaves with Barrington Erle after the division.
- Barrington Erle
Speaks with Phineas in the lobby before the division; witnesses Clarkson's approach; leaves with Fitzgibbon.
- Mr. Bunce
Determined to sue the police for false imprisonment; receives advice from Phineas and Mr. Low but persists.
Key passages
“I always look upon the ’Ouse as my oyster, and ’ere’s my sword”
Mr. Slide declares that he sees Parliament as his opportunity and his pen as his weapon.
Slide's ambition to enter Parliament is expressed with a theatrical metaphor.
“About that little bill, Mr. Finn. They always tell me at your lodgings that you ain’t at home.”
Mr. Clarkson publicly confronts Phineas about an unpaid debt, complaining that Phineas avoids him.
Clarkson's approach in the lobby causes Phineas great embarrassment.
“What I want is, to have the fellows kept in their proper places”
Bunce explains that his goal in suing the police is to ensure they are held accountable for overstepping their authority.
Bunce's motivation for litigation is about principle rather than personal compensation.