# Mr. Daubeny’s Great Move explained — Phineas Redux

> Chapter companion for Phineas Redux by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Mr. Daubeny's ambiguous speech to the electors of East Barsetshire hints at disestablishing the Church of England, causing dismay among Liberals like Mr. Ratler and Mr. Bonteen, and prompting discussions among political leaders such as Mr. Gresham and Lord Cantrip about the implications and Daubeny's motives.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Ambition and Compromise

Daubeny's risky move to propose Church disestablishment for political gain, and the reactions of party members, highlight ambition and the compromises of political strategy.

### Scandal and Public Opinion

Daubeny's ambiguous speech creates a scandal, with the press and politicians interpreting his words as a radical shift, affecting public and party opinion.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Daubeny

Delivers a speech at East Barsetshire hinting at disestablishing the Church, causing political uproar.

### Barrington Erle

Expresses dismay and fear over Daubeny's move, calling it taking the bread out of their mouths.

### Mr. Bonteen

Skeptical of Daubeny's success, suggesting the move may be 'too heavy' for him.

### Mr. Gresham

Discusses Daubeny's intentions with Lord Cantrip, questioning whether Daubeny will succeed again.

### Lord Cantrip

Believes Daubeny means to pursue disestablishment, and discusses the potential end of the Church.

### Phineas Finn

Mentioned as a 'rash young friend' who took a line at Tankerville, referenced in the political discussion.

## Key lines

> By G⸺! he’s going to take the bread out of our mouths again

Mr. Ratler exclaims that Daubeny's proposal will ruin their political prospects.

_Expresses Ratler's fear that Daubeny's move will undermine the Liberal party's position._

> It mayn’t be too hot for him, but I think it’ll be too heavy.

Mr. Bonteen doubts Daubeny can succeed, suggesting the plan is too burdensome.

_Reflects Bonteen's skepticism about the feasibility of Daubeny's disestablishment proposal._

> A man rides at some outrageous fence, and by the wonderful activity and obedient zeal of his horse is carried over it in safety. It does not follow that his horse will carry him over a house, or that he should be fool enough to ask the beast to do so.

Mr. Gresham compares Daubeny's past success to a daring horse jump, implying that a similar bold move now may be impossible.

_Illustrates Gresham's view that Daubeny's previous audacity may not be repeatable with a more radical change._

## Links

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