Phineas Redux · Chapter
The Two Gladiators explained
The great debate on the Church Bill begins, with Mr.
What happens
The great debate on the Church Bill begins, with Mr. Daubeny delivering a masterful speech that combines personal invective against Mr. Gresham with a bold proposal for Church reform, while the House and gallery are packed with anxious clergymen. Mr. Gresham prepares to follow him, aiming to turn the vote into a motion of no confidence.
Themes in this chapter
Political Ambition and Compromise
The debate showcases the tactical maneuvering of party leaders, with Daubeny using personal attacks and strategic timing to gain advantage, while Gresham seeks to turn the vote into a confidence motion.
Scandal and Public Opinion
The chapter highlights how public perception and the reaction of the clergy and the country at large influence parliamentary strategy, with Daubeny warning that a factional victory would not be supported by the nation.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Daubeny
Delivers the ministerial speech, attacking Mr. Gresham personally and advocating for Church reform, using erudite references and strategic timing to embarrass his opponent.
- Mr. Gresham
The Liberal leader who intends to follow Daubeny immediately, charging the government with faction and aiming to make the vote one of want of confidence.
- Mr. Roby
Mentioned as one of the whips or managers ensuring members remain in the House during the debate.
- Barrington Erle
Referenced indirectly as 'Ratler,' the Liberal whip, working to keep members in their seats.
Key passages
“But when Mr. Daubeny stated the effect of his different clauses, explaining what was to be taken and what left—with a fervent assurance that what was to be left would, under the altered circumstances, go much further than the whole had gone before—then the audience became weary, and began to think that it was time that some other gentleman should be upon his legs.”
As Daubeny detailed the clauses of his bill, promising that the remaining provisions would be more effective, listeners grew bored and wished for the next speaker.
Illustrates the tedium of detailed legislative exposition even in a dramatic debate.
“He returned to that personal question to which his adversary had undertaken to confine himself, and expressed a holy horror at the political doctrine which was implied.”
Daubeny went back to the personal attack his opponent had promised to focus on, expressing outrage at the political principle behind it.
Shows Daubeny's rhetorical strategy of mixing personal invective with high principle.
“It is out of nature that any man should think it good that his own order should be repressed, curtailed, and deprived of its power.”
It is only human for any group to resist having its influence reduced.
Reflects the narrator's cynical view of institutional self-interest.