# The Duchess Takes Counsel explained — Phineas Redux

> Chapter companion for Phineas Redux by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Phineas Finn is committed to Newgate for the murder of Mr. Bonteen. The Duchess of Omnium and Madame Goesler consult with Mr. Low about his defense, proposing to spend large sums of money and to investigate Mr. Emilius. The Duchess insists on visiting Phineas in prison, but Mr. Low advises against it without the Duke's involvement.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Injustice

The chapter explores the tension between legal procedure and public perception of guilt or innocence.

### Scandal and Public Opinion

The Duchess attempts to use Phineas's popularity to influence the trial outcome.

### Friendship and Loyalty

The Duchess and Madame Goesler demonstrate fierce loyalty to Phineas, seeking to save him.

## Character check-ins

### Phineas Finn

Committed to Newgate for the murder of Mr. Bonteen; confined with the glory of a State prisoner.

### Duchess of Omnium

Takes counsel with Mr. Low; insists on Phineas's innocence and plans to visit him in prison.

### Madame Max Goesler

Joins the Duchess in consulting Mr. Low; suggests investigating Mr. Emilius's past.

### Mr. Low

Phineas's lawyer; advises against the Duchess visiting the prison without the Duke's consent.

### Mr. Emilius

Suspected but released due to lack of evidence and an alibi.

### Lord Fawn

Testified to seeing a man in a grey coat near the scene of the murder.

### Mr. Bonteen

The murder victim; his death is the central event of the chapter.

### Plantagenet Palliser

The younger Duke; cautions the Duchess against misdirected enthusiasm.

## Key lines

> I do not think that in my time any innocent man has ever lost his life upon the scaffold.

The elder Duke suggests that no innocent person has been executed in his experience.

_The Duke of St. Bungay expresses confidence in the justice system._

> If that man be hung—I shall go into mourning for him. You had better look to it.

The Duchess threatens to mourn publicly if Phineas is executed, pressuring her husband.

_The Duchess uses emotional leverage to advocate for Phineas._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/liv-the-duchess-takes-counsel
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phineas_redux_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters