The American Senator · Chapter
The Morton Family explained
This chapter provides a detailed history of the Morton family, focusing on old Reginald Morton, his sons John and Reginald, and the subsequent generations.
What happens
This chapter provides a detailed history of the Morton family, focusing on old Reginald Morton, his sons John and Reginald, and the subsequent generations. It describes the family's financial struggles, the estrangement caused by younger Reginald's marriage to an innkeeper's daughter, and the eventual inheritance of Bragton by John Morton, the young Secretary of Legation. The chapter also introduces Lady Ushant, who raised Mary Masters at the desolate Bragton Park.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Aristocracy
The Morton family's pride in their position as squires is contrasted with the disgrace of Reginald's marriage to a woman of low birth, highlighting the rigid class boundaries of the time.
Marriage and Financial Necessity
The chapter shows how marriages—both John's to a peer's daughter and Reginald's to an innkeeper's daughter—affect family finances and social standing.
Tradition vs. Reform
Old Reginald Morton's adherence to traditional squirearchy (hunting at his own expense, keeping deer) clashes with the modern financial realities that force changes.
Characters to notice
- Reginald Morton
The younger son of old Reginald Morton; married a woman of low birth, causing family strife; died before the old squire.
- John Morton
The eldest son of old Reginald Morton; married a peer's daughter; died before his father, leaving debts.
- Lady Ushant
Daughter of old Reginald Morton; married Sir William Ushant; became mistress of Bragton and later cared for Mary Masters.
- Mary Masters
A little girl taken in by Lady Ushant to live at Bragton; her education was overseen by Lady Ushant.
- Mrs. Morton
The Honourable Mrs. Morton, wife of John Morton; a dowager who took her grandchildren away from Bragton after the old squire's death.
Key passages
“He had been a squire of the old times, having no inclination for London seasons, never wishing to keep up a second house, quite content with his position as squire of Bragton, but with considerable pride about him as to that position.”
He was a traditional country squire, uninterested in London society or maintaining a second home, satisfied with his role at Bragton but proud of his status.
Describes old Reginald Morton's character and values.
“The old man had left certain outlying properties to his grandson Reginald, of which Hoppet Hall was a part.”
The old squire bequeathed some separate estates, including Hoppet Hall, to his grandson Reginald.
Explains the origin of Reginald's inheritance.