The Financier · Chapter
Chapter LV explained
Aileen visits Cowperwood in prison, where he breaks down emotionally in her arms.
What happens
Aileen visits Cowperwood in prison, where he breaks down emotionally in her arms. Meanwhile, Cowperwood secures favors from the guard Bonhag by hinting at future payments, allowing him extra yard time and the ability to receive visitors outside regular hours.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Betrayal
Aileen's devoted visit contrasts with the betrayal Cowperwood feels from society; her love provides emotional solace amid his imprisonment.
Survival and Resilience
Cowperwood quickly adapts to prison labor and negotiates with Bonhag to improve his conditions, demonstrating his resilience.
Deception and Self-Justification
Cowperwood uses hints of future payment to manipulate Bonhag, justifying the bribery as necessary for survival.
Characters to notice
- Frank Algernon Cowperwood
Emotionally overwhelmed by Aileen's visit, he cries for the first time; later negotiates with Bonhag for prison privileges.
- Aileen Butler
Visits Cowperwood in his cell, comforts him, and expresses her unwavering love and devotion.
- Walter Bonhag
The overseer who trains Cowperwood in caning chairs and offers to arrange extra privileges for a price.
- George W. Stener
Mentioned as receiving liberal treatment and visits from political friends, which motivates Bonhag to seek similar favors for Cowperwood.
- Stephen Wingate
Cowperwood gives him a letter to mail to Aileen, arranging her visit.
Key passages
“The long corridor, with its thick doors, mathematically spaced gratings and graystone pavement, caused Aileen to feel faint at heart. A prison, iron cells! And he was in one of them. It chilled her usually courageous spirit.”
Aileen was overwhelmed by the grim, orderly prison corridor and the reality of Cowperwood being locked in an iron cell, dampening her usual bravery.
Describes Aileen's emotional reaction to the prison environment.
“He felt more poignantly at this moment than ever he had before the degradation of the clog shoes, the cotton shirt, the striped suit, the reputation of a convict, permanent and not to be laid aside.”
Cowperwood felt the full weight of his convict status—the cheap clothes and permanent stigma—more acutely than ever.
Highlights Cowperwood's shame and sense of degradation.
“Bonhag’s short, thick ears tingled. This was the kind of talk he liked to hear.”
Bonhag was pleased and excited by Cowperwood's offer of payment for favors.
Shows Bonhag's greed and willingness to accept bribes.