Phineas Redux · Chapter
Phineas After the Trial explained
Ten days after his acquittal, Phineas Finn remains secluded in his lodgings, visited only by close friends.
What happens
Ten days after his acquittal, Phineas Finn remains secluded in his lodgings, visited only by close friends. He resigns his seat in Parliament despite pleas from Mr. Monk and others, feeling broken by the ordeal. He finally visits Lady Laura Kennedy in Portman Square, expressing his disillusionment with public life. His friends, including Lord Chiltern and Mr. Low, struggle to understand his changed state of mind.
Themes in this chapter
The Cost of Ambition
Phineas's ambition is shattered by the trial; he resigns his seat and feels broken.
Friendship and Loyalty
Friends like Mr. Monk, Lord Chiltern, and Mr. Low visit and support Phineas, though they struggle to understand his state.
Scandal and Public Opinion
Phineas feels judged by his constituents and the public; the accusation of murder degrades him even after acquittal.
Characters to notice
- Phineas Finn
Secluded after trial, resigns his seat, visits Lady Laura.
- Lady Laura Kennedy
Receives Phineas at home; expresses understanding and concern.
- Lord Chiltern
Visits Phineas, urges him to return to normal life, calls him 'womanly'.
- Mr. Monk
Visits Phineas, urges him to return to Parliament, speaks in the House after his resignation.
- Mr. Low
Visits Phineas, advises him to go abroad, tries to understand his state.
- Madame Max Goesler
Corresponds with Phineas; offers support and invites him to visit.
- Duchess of Omnium
Writes to Phineas inviting him to Matching Priory.
- Barrington Erle
Visits Phineas; moves for a new writ for Tankerville.
Key passages
“I feel that I am broken, past any patching up or mending.”
Phineas feels irreparably damaged by the trial.
Phineas expresses his sense of being shattered to Mr. Monk.
“There is an offensiveness in murder which degrades a man even by the accusation.”
The mere accusation of murder is degrading, regardless of innocence.
Phineas explains why he feels he must resign his seat.
“I should only weep in your presence like a schoolgirl, and you would despise me.”
Phineas fears he would break down emotionally if he saw Madame Goesler.
Phineas writes to Madame Goesler explaining his reluctance to visit.