Macpherson's Hotel explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Scandal and Public Opinion

  The threat of a published letter attacking Lady Laura highlights the power of the press to ruin reputations.

• Justice and Injustice

  Phineas seeks to prevent an unjust publication, while Kennedy's madness complicates notions of culpability.

• The Cost of Ambition

  Phineas's political and personal entanglements lead him into mortal danger.

Characters to notice

• Phineas Finn

  Visits Mr. Kennedy to stop the publication of a letter; survives an assassination attempt.

• Robert Kennedy

  In a maddened state, fires a pistol at Phineas after refusing to withdraw his letter.

• Lady Laura Kennedy

  Subject of the defamatory letter; Phineas acts on her behalf.

• Quintus Slide

  Editor of the People's Banner; holds the printed letter and seeks to publish it.

• Mr. Low

  Phineas's friend and legal advisor; counsels against telling Slide about the attack.

• Mrs. Macpherson

  Landlady of Macpherson's Hotel; witnesses the aftermath of the shooting.

Key passages

• “The man is mad,” he said; “did you not hear the shot?””

  Phineas declares Kennedy insane after the gunshot.

  Phineas's immediate reaction to the attack.

• “I cannot bring her back to you.” “She’ll come if you tell her.”

  Kennedy insists Phineas can compel Lady Laura's return; Phineas refuses.

  The core of their confrontation before the shooting.

• “He means to make capital out of his virtue; and he won’t give that up for the sake of being a day in advance.”

  Mr. Low argues that Slide will delay publication to maximize his moral leverage.

  Strategic advice from Mr. Low regarding the editor's motives.