The Financier · Chapter
LVIII explained
Cowperwood is unexpectedly pardoned and released from prison, greeted by Steger, Wingate, and Leigh.
What happens
Cowperwood is unexpectedly pardoned and released from prison, greeted by Steger, Wingate, and Leigh. He returns home, determined to rebuild his career. The chapter also recounts the onset of the Panic of 1873 with the failure of Jay Cooke & Co., which Cowperwood had foreseen, and his eagerness to capitalize on the financial chaos.
Themes in this chapter
Survival and Resilience
Cowperwood adapts to prison life, maintains a garden, and emerges determined to rebuild his career despite the stigma of incarceration.
Ambition and Success
Upon release, Cowperwood immediately plans to re-enter the financial world and seize opportunities from the impending panic.
The Role of Fortune and Crisis
The Panic of 1873 presents a pivotal moment; Cowperwood sees the disaster as his 'great hour' for financial gain.
Characters to notice
- Frank Algernon Cowperwood
Released from prison after a surprise pardon; reflects on his imprisonment and plans his financial comeback.
- Harper Steger
Arranges the surprise pardon and accompanies Cowperwood upon his release.
- Stephen Wingate
Part of the delegation that informs Cowperwood of his pardon; his firm represents Cowperwood on the exchange.
- Walter Leigh
Joins Steger and Wingate in surprising Cowperwood with the news of his pardon.
- Warden Michael Desmas
Accompanies the delegation to Cowperwood's cell; comments on Cowperwood's model behavior and garden.
- Walter Bonhag
Unlocks the cell door; grieves the loss of Cowperwood as a profitable prisoner but receives gifts.
- Aileen Butler
Cowperwood thinks of her upon release; he plans to see her and discuss their future.
- George W. Stener
Mentioned in the context of his modified life in prison, contrasted with Cowperwood's experience.
Key passages
“I am not sure that the lands through which the road runs are so unparalleled in climate, soil, timber, minerals, etc., as Mr. Cooke and his friends would have us believe. Neither do I think that the road can at present, or for many years to come, earn the interest which its great issues of stock call for. There is great danger and risk there.”
Cowperwood doubted the exaggerated claims about the Northern Pacific's resources and believed the railroad could not generate enough profit to cover its massive stock obligations, warning of significant risk.
Cowperwood's prescient critique of Jay Cooke's Northern Pacific venture, showing his financial acumen.
“It's worse to see it coming than going.”
Cowperwood remarks that anticipating a difficult event is more painful than experiencing it.
Cowperwood's stoic reflection on his imprisonment after being released.