# What the Lords and Commons Said About the Murder explained — Phineas Redux

> Chapter companion for Phineas Redux by Anthony Trollope.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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