# Copperhouse Cross and Broughton Spinnies explained — Phineas Redux

> Chapter companion for Phineas Redux by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Phineas Finn, staying at Lord Chiltern's, reluctantly agrees to hunt after being persuaded by his host. At the Copperhouse Cross meet, he finds himself seated next to Madame Goesler in the carriage, and they discuss the ongoing conflict with the Duke over Trumpeton Wood and the poisoned hounds. Phineas encounters old political acquaintances, including Mr. Roby, who jokingly refers to his victory over Browborough. The chapter captures the social dynamics of the hunt and Phineas's uneasy feelings about his place among wealthier companions.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Money

Phineas feels the discomfort of being a poor man among wealthy friends, highlighted by his reluctance to ride borrowed horses and his reflections on his financial situation.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Lord Chiltern's insistence on Phineas joining the hunt and his support in the conflict with the Duke demonstrate bonds of friendship and loyalty.

## Character check-ins

### Phineas Finn

Reluctantly agrees to hunt, feels out of place among wealthy friends, and sits next to Madame Goesler in the carriage.

### Lord Chiltern

Hosts Phineas, persuades him to hunt, and expresses anger about the Duke's handling of Trumpeton Wood.

### Madame Max Goesler

Sits next to Phineas in the carriage, discusses the Duke's fox situation, and shows familiarity with hunting.

### Gerard Maule

Seats himself next to Miss Palliser in the carriage.

### Adelaide Palliser

Sits next to Gerard Maule in the carriage.

### Mr. Spooner

Explains hunting logistics to Phineas, discusses the Duke's wood, and endures questions from Lady Gertrude.

## Key lines

> After all, the thing had not been so very bad. With a little courage and hardihood we can survive very great catastrophes, and go through them even without broken bones.

Phineas reflects that encountering Madame Goesler was not as terrible as he feared; with bravery, one can endure even major difficulties unscathed.

_Phineas's relief after facing Madame Goesler at the party._

> It could not be that his old intimacy should be renewed, but he could now encounter her in society, as the Fates might direct, without a renewal of that feeling of dismay which had been so heavy on him.

Phineas accepts that his former closeness with Madame Goesler cannot return, but he can now meet her socially without the intense anxiety he previously felt.

_Phineas's emotional resolution regarding Madame Goesler._

> But there came across his heart a feeling that he had reached a time of life in which it was no longer comfortable for him to live as a poor man with men who were rich.

Phineas feels that at his age, it is no longer pleasant to associate with wealthy men while being poor himself.

_Phineas's growing discomfort with his financial status among rich friends._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xvi-copperhouse-cross-and-broughton-spinnies
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phineas_redux_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters