Poetry · Chapter
Aspirants Three explained
Three dead politicians—De Young, Estee, and Swift—meet in a graveyard to duel for a cabinet position but instead form a 'Portfolio Trust' to divide the spoils.
What happens
Three dead politicians—De Young, Estee, and Swift—meet in a graveyard to duel for a cabinet position but instead form a 'Portfolio Trust' to divide the spoils. After a supernatural visitation by the Spirit of Broken Hopes, they wake from a dream and each resolves to reform, though Estee remains trapped in his corrupt identity.
Themes in this chapter
Political Satire
The entire chapter is a satirical allegory of political ambition, corruption, and the absurdity of office-seeking among the dead.
Hypocrisy and Corruption
The characters' willingness to form a 'Portfolio Trust' and their self-serving justifications highlight the hypocrisy and corruption in politics.
Deception and Self-Deception
Each character deceives themselves about their reformations, especially Estee, who remains trapped in his identity despite the dream.
Characters to notice
- De Young
A dead politician who initially chooses the War Department, then reforms after a prophetic dream, vowing to withdraw from politics.
- Estee
A rival politician who rises from his tomb to fight De Young, eventually accepting the Interior portfolio, but remains unable to escape his corrupt nature.
- Swift
A third aspirant who brokers the Portfolio Trust, claims a diplomatic role, and later reforms by vowing to buy offices honestly.
- The Spirit of Broken Hopes
A supernatural figure who appears with a troupe of coffins and puts the three aspirants to sleep, symbolizing the futility of their ambitions.
Key passages
“Let us establish a Portfolio Trust.”
The three politicians agree to divide government positions among themselves rather than compete.
Highlights the corrupt practice of collusion in political appointments.
“Now that I'm good, it will no longer do / To make a third with such a wicked two.”
Swift decides to separate himself from the others after his reformation.
Shows the superficial nature of their moral awakenings.
“My curst identity's confining skin / Nor lets me out nor tolerates me in.”
Estee laments being trapped in his own corrupt nature, unable to change.
Emphasizes the theme of self-deception and the inescapability of one's character.