# LVII explained — The Financier

> Chapter companion for The Financier by Theodore Dreiser.

## What happens

Cowperwood spends thirteen months in the Eastern Penitentiary. Edward Butler dies, and his death removes the main obstacle to Cowperwood's pardon. Aileen's affair becomes known to her brothers, causing family strife. Political shifts occur, and eventually both Cowperwood and Stener are pardoned.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_financier_se/chapters/lvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_financier_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_financier_se/chapters