# Persecution explained — The American Senator

> Chapter companion for The American Senator by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Mary Masters faces intense pressure from her stepmother to accept Lawrence Twentyman's marriage proposal, leading to conflict in the Masters household. Mary writes to Lady Ushant seeking refuge, and Lady Ushant, uncertain, consults Reginald Morton for advice.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love vs. Practicality

Mary's refusal of Larry Twentyman's secure offer clashes with her stepmother's practical view of marriage as a means of financial stability.

### Hypocrisy and Moral Complexity

Mrs. Masters is not a bad woman but uses harshness to enforce her will, while Lady Ushant struggles between helping Mary and upholding family propriety.

## Character check-ins

### Mary Masters

Endures persecution from her stepmother for rejecting Larry Twentyman; writes to Lady Ushant asking for a temporary home.

### Mr. Masters

Defends Mary against his wife's harsh treatment, but is made miserable by the family conflict; consents to Mary's letter to Lady Ushant.

### Lawrence Twentyman

Heartbroken after receiving Mary's rejection letter; confides in Mr. Masters and considers selling Chowton Farm.

### Lady Ushant

Receives Mary's plea for refuge; writes to Reginald Morton for advice, unsure whether to take Mary in.

### Reginald Morton

Lady Ushant asks him to investigate Mary's situation and report back; suspected by Lady Ushant of being the reason Mary refuses Larry.

## Key lines

> Break her spirit, and make her come round, and teach her to know what it is to have an honest man’s house offered to her.

Mrs. Masters believes Mary must be broken down emotionally until she accepts Larry's proposal.

_Reflects the harsh methods used to enforce marriage expectations._

> I suppose she means it?

Larry asks Mr. Masters if Mary's rejection is final.

_Shows Larry's desperation and hope for a change of heart._

> It has knocked me about till I feel all over like drinking.

Larry says the rejection has devastated him and tempted him to drink.

_Highlights his emotional vulnerability and potential for self-destruction._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters/xliii-persecution
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_american_senator_se/chapters