# Is It Tanti? explained — The American Senator

> Chapter companion for The American Senator by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Reginald Morton and Mary Masters, now engaged, attend a fox hunt meet at the old kennels. Reginald discusses the philosophy of 'tanti' and the necessity of recreation, while Mary publicly shows kindness to a heartbroken Lawrence Twentyman. Larry, initially despondent, rides brilliantly in the hunt, earning praise from Lord Rufford.

## Themes in this chapter

### Rural Life and Community

The chapter vividly depicts the social dynamics of a fox hunt, including interactions between gentry, tradesmen, and farmers, highlighting the communal nature of rural life.

### Love vs. Practicality

Mary's engagement to Reginald and her kind treatment of Larry Twentyman illustrate the tension between romantic love and practical social considerations.

### Hypocrisy and Moral Complexity

Reginald's critique of 'philanimalists' who wear fur while condemning hunting exposes the moral contradictions in Victorian attitudes toward recreation and cruelty.

## Character check-ins

### Mary Masters

Now engaged to Reginald Morton, she bravely approaches Lawrence Twentyman at the hunt to offer a kind word, showing her compassion and maturity.

### Reginald Morton

Engaged to Mary, he preaches a sermon on the doctrine of 'tanti' and decides to take up hunting to fit in with local society, despite his initial reluctance.

### Lawrence Twentyman

Deeply unhappy after Mary's rejection, he attends the hunt and rides superbly, winning praise and temporarily lifting his spirits.

### Lord Rufford

Present at the hunt, he compliments Lawrence Twentyman's mare and offers to buy her, acknowledging Larry's riding skill.

### Mr. Runciman

Attempts to cheer up Lawrence Twentyman before the hunt, encouraging him to forget his troubles and ride.

### Tony Tuppett

The huntsman, who acknowledges Lawrence Twentyman's skill during the run and speaks to him at the covert side.

## Key lines

> The thing is a small knot of self-anxious people who think that they possess among them all the bowels of the world.

Reginald dismisses animal rights activists as a self-righteous group who believe they alone have compassion.

_Reginald expresses his disdain for the 'philanimalist' movement, arguing that they ignore the necessity of recreation._

> It is the doctrine by which you should regulate everything you do and every word you utter.

Reginald explains that the principle of 'tanti' (weighing value) should guide all actions and speech.

_Reginald introduces the concept of 'tanti' as a philosophical guide for making practical judgments._

> A man shouldn't let hisself be put upon by circumstances so as to be only half hisself.

Runciman advises Larry not to let his heartbreak diminish his spirit and character.

_Runciman tries to console Lawrence Twentyman, urging him to rise above his personal sorrow._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters/lxxiii-is-it-tanti
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters