Phineas Redux · Chapter
What the Lords and Commons Said About the Murder explained
The House is abuzz with talk of Bonteen's murder, with most members convinced Phineas Finn is the killer.
What happens
The House is abuzz with talk of Bonteen's murder, with most members convinced Phineas Finn is the killer. Mr. Gresham makes a formal statement eulogizing Bonteen, then confirms Finn's arrest. Despite the gravity, many members privately sympathize with Finn, viewing Bonteen as a destructive figure. The Duchess of Omnium, in the lobby, urges Barrington Erle to help save Finn, expressing disbelief in his guilt and suggesting the real culprit is Lizzie Eustace's Jew. No official business is conducted; the excitement dominates both Houses.
Themes in this chapter
Scandal and Public Opinion
The murder dominates parliamentary gossip; public opinion quickly turns against Finn, yet many privately sympathize with him.
Justice and Injustice
The presumption of guilt among members and the Duchess's fear that Finn will be hanged before the truth is sifted.
Political Ambition and Compromise
Bonteen's death is seen as a political convenience; his removal may strengthen the government.
Characters to notice
- Phineas Finn
Arrested and in custody on suspicion of murdering Bonteen; many members believe him guilty but some sympathize.
- Mr. Bonteen
Murdered; eulogized by Gresham in the House, though privately many members are relieved he is gone.
- Mr. Gresham
Prime Minister; makes a formal statement about Bonteen's murder and confirms Finn's arrest.
- Mr. Daubeny
Opposition leader; asks Gresham about the arrest of a member for the murder.
- Barrington Erle
Tells his story repeatedly; summoned by the Duchess of Omnium to discuss Finn's case.
- Duchess of Omnium
Visits the lobby to urge Barrington Erle to help save Finn; expresses disbelief in his guilt.
- Lord Fawn
Mentioned as a key witness who can swear to Finn's involvement.
- Duke of St. Bungay
Visits the murder scene; reflects on the evidence and concludes Finn must have done it.
Key passages
“When the House met on that Thursday at four o’clock everybody was talking about the murder, and certainly four-fifths of the members had made up their minds that Phineas Finn was the murderer.”
At the Thursday four o'clock session, nearly all members were discussing the murder and most believed Phineas Finn guilty.
Sets the scene of widespread assumption of Finn's guilt.
“It was with the deepest regret—nay, with the most profound sorrow—that he was called upon to inform the House that his right honourable friend and colleague, Mr. Bonteen, had been basely and cruelly murdered during the past night.”
Gresham expressed deep sorrow in announcing Bonteen's brutal murder.
Official statement by the Prime Minister.
“I don’t believe, you know, for a moment that he murdered him. It was done by Lizzie Eustace’s Jew.”
The Duchess says she is certain Finn is innocent and blames Lizzie Eustace's Jewish acquaintance.
Duchess of Omnium's theory about the real murderer.
