# Cagliostro explained — Phineas Redux

> Chapter companion for Phineas Redux by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Parliament is set to meet after Easter, and intense speculation surrounds the Cabinet Councils held beforehand. Mr. Daubeny ultimately announces his resignation and recommends Mr. Gresham to form a government, but not before delivering a fiery speech denouncing the House of Commons and the opposition. After his departure, Mr. Gresham postpones his statement. Phineas Finn discusses the event with Mr. Monk, who likens Daubeny to a political conjuror, while Ratler and Bonteen comment on the party's disintegration.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Ambition and Compromise

Daubeny's resignation and speech highlight the interplay of ambition, party loyalty, and political maneuvering.

### Scandal and Public Opinion

The press and clubs are rife with speculation and conflicting reports about the Cabinet's decisions.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Daubeny

Resigns as Prime Minister after defeat on his great measure, delivers a scathing speech against the House and opposition, then leaves.

### Mr. Gresham

Receives Her Majesty's commands to form a government; postpones his statement after Daubeny's speech.

### Phineas Finn

Observes the proceedings and discusses Daubeny's performance with Mr. Monk.

### Mr. Monk

Characterizes Daubeny as a political Cagliostro, a dangerous conjuror.

### Barrington Erle

Comments to Bonteen that Daubeny was 'very great' but the party is broken up.

### Mr. Bonteen

Agrees with Ratler that Daubeny's speech was powerful but the party is in atoms.

## Key lines

> I have always felt that there has been a mistake about Mr. Daubeny. By many he has been accounted as a statesman, whereas to me he has always been a political Cagliostro.

Mr. Monk says he never considered Daubeny a true statesman, but rather a clever trickster.

_Mr. Monk's assessment of Daubeny as a political conjuror._

> He was very great, said Ratler to Bonteen. Did you not think so? Yes, I did⁠—very powerful indeed. But the party is broken up to atoms.

Ratler and Bonteen agree Daubeny's speech was impressive, but acknowledge the party is shattered.

_Reaction of party insiders to Daubeny's speech._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xxxix-cagliostro
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phineas_redux_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters