# VII explained — The Financier

> Chapter companion for The Financier by Theodore Dreiser.

## What happens

Frank Cowperwood, now a young man of twenty, decides to leave the brokerage business to start his own note-brokerage firm, despite an offer of partnership. His interest in Mrs. Lillian Semple, a widow he met through her late husband, grows into a passionate attraction. He advises her on business matters and calls on her regularly, while his own financial ventures in streetcar stocks and real estate prosper.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ambition and Success

Cowperwood's decision to leave a secure job and start his own business reflects his driving ambition for financial independence.

### Love and Betrayal

Cowperwood's growing passion for Mrs. Semple, a widow, hints at a romantic entanglement that may challenge social conventions.

### The Role of Fortune and Crisis

The Panic of 1857 shapes Cowperwood's career choices, while Mr. Semple's untimely death opens the door for Cowperwood's relationship with Lillian.

## Character check-ins

### Frank Algernon Cowperwood

Decides to leave brokerage for his own note-brokerage business; grows increasingly attracted to Mrs. Semple.

### Lillian Cowperwood

Recently widowed, she is the object of Cowperwood's growing passion; described as beautiful and conventional.

### Mr. Semple

Lillian's late husband; dies of pneumonia after insisting on going to work despite illness.

### Edward Tighe

Cowperwood's employer who offers him a minor partnership, which Cowperwood declines.

### Arthur Rivers

Cowperwood's other employer; remarks on Cowperwood's shrewdness after he leaves.

## Key lines

> Gambling in stocks, according to conditions produced by this panic, seemed very hazardous.

Stock trading during the panic appeared too risky.

_Cowperwood's view of stock market speculation as dangerous._

> I think you have a nice business, but I want to get in the note-brokerage business for myself.

Cowperwood declines a partnership, preferring to start his own note-brokerage firm.

_Cowperwood's decision to pursue independence._

> He was seized with a cold in the chest late in the fall... nine more days of pneumonia—and he was dead.

Mr. Semple died of pneumonia after ignoring his illness.

_The sudden death that leaves Lillian a widow._

## Links

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