Short Fiction · Chapter
The Hand That Riles the World explained
Jeff Peters recounts a story to the narrator about a scheme to secure a U.S.
What happens
Jeff Peters recounts a story to the narrator about a scheme to secure a U.S. Marshal appointment for Bill Humble through lobbying in Washington. Jeff and his partner Andy initially plan a straightforward bribe but are redirected to a female lobbyist, Mrs. Avery, who claims she can secure the appointment. Despite Jeff's skepticism about women in business, Mrs. Avery produces an official appointment—only for it to be for postmaster of Dade City, Florida, not the Marshal position. The scheme fails, and Jeff and Andy abandon the endeavor.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Mrs. Avery appears to successfully secure the appointment, but the reality is a deceptive outcome—a postmaster position instead of the promised Marshal job.
Gender Roles and Marriage
Jeff Peters expresses strong opinions about women's unsuitability for business and politics, contrasting with Andy's more favorable view.
Humor and Irony
The ironic twist where the 'successful' lobbying results in a completely different and unwanted appointment, highlighting the absurdity of the scheme.
Characters to notice
- Jeff Peters
Narrates the story of the failed lobbying scheme for Bill Humble; skeptical of women's abilities in business and politics.
- Andy Donovan
Jeff's partner in the scheme; initially optimistic about Mrs. Avery's abilities, but ultimately shares in the disappointment.
- Unknown Narrator
The listener to Jeff's story; prompts Jeff to discuss the role of women in business.
Key passages
“But a woman is an absolutely unreliable partner in any straight swindle. She's liable to turn honest on you when you are depending upon her the most.”
Jeff claims women cannot be trusted in dishonest schemes because they might unexpectedly act honestly.
Jeff's cynical view of women in business, setting up the story's ironic outcome.
“I handed her the $500, which she pitched into her desk drawer without counting. I put Bill's appointment in my pocket and me and Andy made our adieus.”
Jeff pays Mrs. Avery the fee and takes the appointment document, leaving without verifying its contents.
The moment of transaction that leads to the ironic discovery of the wrong appointment.
“The paper was for Bill, all right, and a genuine document, but it appointed him postmaster of Dade City, Fla.”
The appointment was real but for a different, lesser position than promised.
The punchline revealing the deception and failure of the scheme.