Phineas Redux · Chapter
Mr. Maule's Attempt explained
Madame Goesler receives news of Mr.
What happens
Madame Goesler receives news of Mr. Bonteen's murder and Phineas Finn's peril. She is deeply distressed, especially after reading a letter from the Duchess that mentions Lady Laura's suffering. Mr. Maule calls, intending to propose marriage, but Madame Goesler, preoccupied with the news, dismisses him abruptly. Mr. Maule later learns the false rumor that Phineas murdered Bonteen and expresses a wish for his execution.
Themes in this chapter
Scandal and Public Opinion
The murder of Mr. Bonteen and the accusation against Phineas Finn dominate conversation and spread as false rumors, illustrating the power of public opinion.
Love and Sacrifice
Madame Goesler's deep emotional distress and willingness to sacrifice for Phineas, contrasted with her jealousy of Lady Laura.
Characters to notice
- Madame Max Goesler
Deeply distressed by news of Bonteen's murder and Phineas's peril; dismisses Mr. Maule's visit abruptly.
- Phineas Finn
Mentioned as being in peril and in prison, suspected of murdering Mr. Bonteen.
- Mr. Bonteen
Reported murdered; his death is the central event of the chapter.
- Gerard Maule
Calls on Madame Goesler with the intention of proposing marriage, but is turned away due to her distress.
- Duchess of Omnium
Writes a letter to Madame Goesler informing her of the murder and Phineas's danger; suggests visiting Phineas in prison.
- Lady Laura Kennedy
Mentioned in the Duchess's letter as being deeply affected by Phineas's trouble; source of Madame Goesler's jealousy.
- Lord Cantrip
Mentioned as having visited Phineas in prison.
- Mr. Monk
Mentioned as having visited Phineas in prison.
Key passages
“Could it be true that the man after all was dead? Marvellous reports, and reports marvellously false, do spread themselves about the world every day.”
Madame Goesler doubts the news of Bonteen's death, reflecting on how false rumors often circulate.
Highlights the theme of scandal and public opinion.
“Think of Lady Laura, with one mad and the other in Newgate.”
The Duchess's letter urges Madame Goesler to consider Lady Laura's suffering, with her husband mad and Phineas in prison.
Stirs Madame Goesler's jealousy and deepens her emotional turmoil.