# XII explained — The Financier

> Chapter companion for The Financier by Theodore Dreiser.

## What happens

Cowperwood secures a million-dollar bond award from the State through political influence, leveraging his relationship with Edward Butler. He plans to build a grand house on Girard Avenue, expand his business, and solidify his financial standing, while his wife Lillian shows signs of strain from domestic life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ambition and Success

Cowperwood's relentless drive to secure the bond award and build his fortune, reflecting his ambition for wealth and status.

### Corruption and Power

The use of political connections and favoritism to secure the bond award, highlighting the corrupt interplay between finance and politics.

### Class and Social Mobility

Cowperwood's plans to build a house on Girard Avenue and his social maneuvering with the Butlers illustrate his upward mobility.

## Character check-ins

### Frank Algernon Cowperwood

Secures a million-dollar bond award, plans new house and office, reflects on ambition and luck.

### Edward Malia Butler

Cowperwood turns to Butler for political influence; Butler agrees to help with the bond award.

### Lillian Cowperwood

Shows support for Cowperwood's plans but is described as run down and depressed.

### Henry Worthington Cowperwood

Prospering due to his son's success; plans to build a house next to Frank's.

### Julian Bode

City Treasurer introduced to Cowperwood; promises to help with the bond issue.

### Aileen Butler

Mentioned as one of Butler's daughters; Cowperwood cautions Lillian not to overlook her.

## Key lines

> A little wit, a little nimbleness, a little luck—time and opportunity—these sometimes availed.

Success often depends on a combination of intelligence, agility, luck, and the right moment.

_Reflects Cowperwood's philosophy on the role of fortune and personal effort in financial success._

> He was to be rich, very, very rich.

He foresaw a future of immense wealth.

_Highlights Cowperwood's unwavering ambition and confidence in his financial destiny._

## Links

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