# The Dance explained — The Financier

> Chapter companion for The Financier by Theodore Dreiser.

## What happens

Aileen Butler meticulously prepares for a grand ball, dressing to impress Frank Cowperwood. At the event, Cowperwood, despite his marriage, is captivated by Aileen's youthful vitality and beauty. They share a charged dance and intimate conversation, revealing a mutual attraction that begins to complicate their lives.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Betrayal

Cowperwood's growing attraction to Aileen signals a potential betrayal of his wife Lillian, as he openly flirts and confesses his feelings.

### Ambition and Success

Aileen's desire to present herself effectively at the ball reflects her social ambition, while Cowperwood's pursuit of her mirrors his relentless drive for personal fulfillment.

## Character check-ins

### Aileen Butler

Obsessively prepares for the ball, choosing a black sequined gown and applying beauty marks to attract Cowperwood. She is vibrant, self-conscious, and deeply infatuated.

### Frank Algernon Cowperwood

Attends the ball as a host, but is drawn to Aileen. He finds her raw energy irresistible and initiates a flirtatious, probing conversation during their dance.

### Lillian Cowperwood

Mentioned as Cowperwood's wife; he finds her dull and older compared to Aileen. She dances little and is not a central figure in the chapter.

### Anna Adelaide Cowperwood

Briefly mentioned as one of the first to mention the dance, setting the stage for Aileen's preparations.

## Key lines

> She was as a honey-jar surrounded by too-hungry flies.

Aileen attracted many eager suitors at the ball.

_Describes Aileen's overwhelming popularity among the young men._

> He shot a level, interpretive glance into her eyes, then left.

Cowperwood gave Aileen a knowing look before walking away.

_Highlights the unspoken understanding and tension between them._

> She was so young. She was beautiful, this girl, and in spite of his wife’s repeated derogatory comments he felt that she was nearer to his clear, aggressive, unblinking attitude than anyone whom he had yet seen in the form of woman.

Cowperwood saw Aileen as a kindred spirit, more aligned with his own bold and direct nature than his wife was.

_Reveals Cowperwood's perception of Aileen as his equal in temperament._

## Links

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