# Chapter XIII explained — The Financier

> Chapter companion for The Financier by Theodore Dreiser.

## What happens

Cowperwood observes Aileen Butler's vibrant, sensual nature and growing attraction to him, while Lillian dismisses her as lacking refinement. The chapter also reflects on Cowperwood's detached, pragmatic view of the Civil War, seeing it as a destructive disruption to commerce rather than a moral crusade, and his indifference to the slavery debate.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ambition and Success

Cowperwood's relentless focus on financial advantage and his view of the war as an impediment to commercial growth highlight his single-minded ambition.

### Class and Social Mobility

Aileen's awareness of wealth and social standing, her envy of better-bred girls, and her desire to rise contrast with Lillian's dismissal of her as lacking refinement.

### Love and Betrayal

The budding attraction between Cowperwood and Aileen, set against Lillian's oblivious criticism, foreshadows future romantic entanglement and betrayal.

## Character check-ins

### Frank Algernon Cowperwood

Studies Aileen with analytical interest, appreciating her vitality and physical perfection; maintains a pragmatic, commercial perspective on the Civil War, viewing it as wasteful and detrimental to financial progress.

### Aileen Butler

Depicted as a vibrant, sensual eighteen-year-old with raw intelligence and vanity; drawn to Cowperwood's refinement and force, she performs for him and feels overawed in his presence.

### Lillian Cowperwood

Criticizes Aileen's lack of refinement and pretentiousness, dismissing her family's social standing; unaware of her husband's growing interest in Aileen.

### Edward Malia Butler

Mentioned as Aileen's father, a politician whose acquaintances bore Aileen; his social circle does not include the truly elite.

## Key lines

> Aileen always reminded Cowperwood of a high-stepping horse without a checkrein.

Cowperwood saw Aileen as spirited and unrestrained, full of natural energy.

_Illustrates Cowperwood's perception of Aileen's untamed vitality._

> The most futile thing in this world is any attempt, perhaps, at exact definition of character. All individuals are a bundle of contradictions—none more so than the most capable.

It is nearly impossible to define a person precisely because everyone is full of contradictions, especially the most competent.

_Reflects the narrator's philosophical view on character complexity, particularly applied to Aileen._

> He was not at all sure, for instance, that the negroes could be made into anything much more significant than they were.

Cowperwood doubted that African Americans could achieve much beyond their current status.

_Reveals Cowperwood's racial views and his lack of support for abolitionist ideals._

## Links

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