Phineas Finn · Chapter
XXXVI: Phineas Finn Makes Progress explained
Phineas Finn, now a Member of Parliament, prepares to make a significant speech on the Reform Bill.
What happens
Phineas Finn, now a Member of Parliament, prepares to make a significant speech on the Reform Bill. He visits Lady Laura Kennedy, who has returned to London, and senses tension in her marriage to Mr. Kennedy. He also arranges a meeting with Lord Chiltern regarding a previous letter. During the debate, Phineas finally delivers a successful speech, earning praise from Barrington Erle and solidifying his progress in the House.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Social Mobility
Phineas's successful speech marks a turning point in his political career, demonstrating his rising ambition and progress in Parliament.
Love and Marriage
The strained marriage between Lady Laura and Mr. Kennedy is explored, with hints of unhappiness and discord.
Politics and Patronage
The chapter focuses on parliamentary debates, political alliances, and the maneuvering around the Reform Bill, including mentions of Mr. Mildmay, Mr. Gresham, and Mr. Monk.
Characters to notice
- Phineas Finn
Phineas calls on Lady Laura, senses discord in her marriage, and prepares for his speech on the Reform Bill. He successfully speaks in the House, receiving commendation from Barrington Erle.
- Lady Laura Standish
Lady Laura has returned to London and invites Phineas to visit. She expresses discontent with her marriage and criticizes Mrs. Bonteen, showing her strained domestic situation.
- Mr. Kennedy
Mr. Kennedy speaks with Phineas about Lady Laura's return, revealing awkwardness and suggesting marital discord. He dismisses Violet Effingham's beauty and petting as frivolous.
- Lord Chiltern
Lord Chiltern responds to Phineas's letter with a hostile note, agreeing to meet privately at Phineas's rooms on Wednesday.
- Violet Effingham
Mentioned as being at Saulsby with Lady Laura and as the subject of Mr. Kennedy's criticism regarding her indecisiveness and beauty.
- Barrington Erle
Barrington Erle congratulates Phineas after his successful speech, affirming that Phineas has finally found his form in the House.
Key passages
“He had never thought it possible that she could be happy living with such a husband as Mr. Kennedy. All that, however, was now past remedy, and she must simply endure the mode of life which she had prepared for herself.”
Phineas believed Lady Laura could never be happy with Mr. Kennedy, but now she must endure the life she chose.
Reflects Phineas's view of Lady Laura's unhappy marriage.
“I hate that woman like poison. She is always playing a game, and it is such a small game that she plays!”
Lady Laura expresses strong dislike for Mrs. Bonteen, accusing her of petty scheming.
Shows Lady Laura's candid and critical nature.
“So you have got into form at last. I always thought that it would come. I never for a moment believed but that it would come sooner or later.”
Barrington Erle congratulates Phineas on finally delivering a successful speech, expressing confidence in his eventual success.
Marks Phineas's breakthrough as a speaker in Parliament.