The Financier · Chapter
XLVIII explained
Cowperwood's appeal for a new trial is denied by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, with a majority ruling against him and two dissenting opinions.
What happens
Cowperwood's appeal for a new trial is denied by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, with a majority ruling against him and two dissenting opinions. The public scandal of his affair with Aileen Butler influences the judges' decision. Cowperwood resolves to serve his prison sentence rather than flee, vowing to fight the conviction and eventually seek a pardon.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Self-Justification
Cowperwood's financial maneuvers are publicly condemned as Machiavellian trickery, while he and his lawyers argue they were within customary business practice.
The Role of Fortune and Crisis
The financial panic triggered by the Great Chicago Fire is cited as a factor that turned legitimate transactions into alleged crimes.
Characters to notice
- Frank Algernon Cowperwood
Resolves to go to jail rather than flee, determined to eventually overturn his conviction.
- Harper Steger
Argues Cowperwood's appeal before the Supreme Court and advises on further legal options.
- Dennis Shannon
District Attorney who argues against Cowperwood's appeal.
- Judge Rafalsky
Writes a dissenting opinion, arguing that the conviction for larceny is unsupported by evidence.
- Judge Wilbur Payderson
Presided over the original trial; expected to set a date for Cowperwood's sentencing.
Key passages
“It is thus that our inmost thoughts and intentions burst at times via no known material agency into public thoughts.”
Our deepest thoughts and intentions sometimes become known to the public through mysterious means.
Reflects on how Cowperwood's affair with Aileen became widely known despite no clear source.
“I can fight this out right here in Philadelphia in the long run and win. I can get that decision reversed in the Supreme Court, or I can get the Governor to pardon me after a time, I think. I’m not going to run away, and everybody knows I’m not.”
I will stay in Philadelphia and eventually win my case, either through the Supreme Court or a pardon. I refuse to flee.
Cowperwood's defiant decision to face imprisonment rather than escape.