# Two Days Before the Trial explained — Phineas Redux

> Chapter companion for Phineas Redux by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Phineas Finn, imprisoned for murder, meets with his defense counsel Mr. Chaffanbrass and insists on a bold, truth-based defense rather than legal quibbling. Mr. Chaffanbrass reflects on the nature of criminal law and the difficulty of proving innocence. Lord Fawn is brought in to examine a coat, but the evidence remains circumstantial. Phineas struggles with the social condemnation more than the fear of death.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Injustice

Phineas feels deeply wronged by the accusation and the public's condemnation, while Mr. Chaffanbrass discusses the fallibility of legal proof.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Lord Chiltern and Mr. Low visit Phineas regularly, and the Duchess, Lady Chiltern, and Lady Laura send him provisions.

### Scandal and Public Opinion

Phineas is more tormented by the social disgrace than by the prospect of execution.

## Character check-ins

### Phineas Finn

Imprisoned and preparing for trial, he insists on a defense based on truth and rejects legal quibbling.

### Mr. Chaffanbrass

Defense counsel who interviews Phineas and reflects on the nature of criminal law and evidence.

### Lord Fawn

Brought in to examine a coat as potential evidence, but his testimony is inconclusive.

### Mr. Wickerby

Attorney who arranges the meeting between Phineas and Mr. Chaffanbrass.

### Mr. Scruby

Clerk who puts on the coat for examination during the legal preparations.

### Lord Chiltern

Frequent visitor to Phineas in prison, a loyal friend.

## Key lines

> I would have you hurl defiance at my accusers.

Phineas wants his defense to boldly challenge the accusations against him.

_Phineas insists on an aggressive, truth-based defense._

> It is the condemnation of those who had known him that was so terrible to him.

Phineas fears the judgment of his peers more than death itself.

_The social stigma of being thought a murderer is his greatest torment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lx-two-days-before-the-trial
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phineas_redux_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters