LVII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Corruption and Power

  Political maneuvering and the influence of Butler's death on the pardons highlight the corrupt interplay between finance and politics.

• Love and Betrayal

  Aileen's affair with Cowperwood and her subsequent betrayal of her father's trust drive family conflict.

• Survival and Resilience

  Cowperwood's ability to accumulate money and plan for his future while in prison demonstrates his resilience.

Characters to notice

• Frank Algernon Cowperwood

  Serves thirteen months in prison; accumulates money through Wingate; receives a pardon.

• Aileen Butler

  Openly hostile to her father after Cowperwood's imprisonment; her affair becomes known to her brothers.

• Edward Malia Butler

  Dies sitting in his chair; his death removes opposition to Cowperwood's pardon.

• George W. Stener

  Also pardoned after thirteen months; realizes his political and social career is over.

• Harper Steger

  Works on Cowperwood's pardon; refuses further payment from Cowperwood.

• Stephen Wingate

  Helps Cowperwood accumulate money and assists in securing the pardon.

Key passages

• “The time that Cowperwood spent in the Eastern Penitentiary of Pennsylvania was exactly thirteen months from the day of his entry to his discharge.”

  Cowperwood was imprisoned for thirteen months.

  Establishes the duration of Cowperwood's incarceration.

• “Edward Malia Butler died, expired sitting in his chair in his private office at his home.”

  Edward Butler died suddenly in his home office.

  Butler's death is a pivotal event that removes opposition to Cowperwood's pardon.

• “The pardon of Cowperwood and Stener, which Butler would have opposed, because by keeping Stener in he kept Cowperwood in, became a much easier matter.”

  Butler's death made it easier to pardon both Cowperwood and Stener.

  Highlights the political impact of Butler's death.