Phoebe, Junior · Chapter
The Millionaire explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Copperhead visits Carlingford and is shown around by Mr. May, who hopes to secure financial help from him. Copperhead is rude and dismissive of the town and its institutions, insulting the College and the clergy. He also makes crude remarks about women, including Ursula. Mr. May struggles to maintain courtesy, torn between his need for money and his growing distaste for the man. Clarence Copperhead accompanies his father, and Mr. Northcote is also present, defending himself against Copperhead's jibes.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Power
Mr. Copperhead's wealth gives him the power to insult and dominate others, and Mr. May hopes to appeal to his liberality for financial help.
Social Class and Mobility
Copperhead's disdain for the rural gentry and clergy highlights class tensions between the industrial rich and the traditional educated classes.
Appearance vs. Reality
Mr. May outwardly treats Copperhead with courtesy while inwardly despising him, revealing the gap between social performance and true feeling.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Copperhead
Arrives in Carlingfield and tours the town with Mr. May, insulting the College, the clergy, and the town itself. He makes crude jokes about women and boasts about his wealth.
- Reginald May
Shows Mr. Copperhead around the College but is offended by Copperhead's remarks about his chaplaincy being a 'snug nest'.
- Clarence Copperhead
Accompanies his father and laughs at his jokes, though he earlier warned Mr. May that his father is 'queer' and likes his own way.
- Ursula May
Prepares luncheon for Mr. Copperhead and is confused by his crude remarks about her presence.
- Mr. Northcote
Present at the College and defends himself when Mr. Copperhead accuses him of changing his opinions about the Church.
- Sir Robert Dorset
Drives Mr. Copperhead to Carlingford and privately tells Mr. May that Copperhead is 'the greatest brute' he knows.
Key passages
“All unproductive communities, sir, ought to be swept off the face of the earth.”
Mr. Copperhead argues that towns like Carlingford, which produce nothing, should be destroyed.
Copperhead's industrialist philosophy dismisses the value of non-industrial towns.
“I think we could get on with a deal fewer women, I must allow. There's where Providence is in a mistake.”
Mr. Copperhead claims that England has too many women and that they are a waste of resources.
Copperhead's misogynistic view reduces women to surplus raw material.
“Cunning I call it... a capital snug nest—nothing to do—and pay—pay good now?”
Mr. Copperhead praises Reginald's chaplaincy as a clever, easy, well-paid position.
Copperhead's compliment insults Reginald by implying he has a sinecure.