The Prime Minister · Chapter
Everett Wharton explained
This chapter introduces Everett Wharton, a young man who has abandoned various careers and now aspires to a parliamentary career, though he lacks firmness of purpose.
What happens
This chapter introduces Everett Wharton, a young man who has abandoned various careers and now aspires to a parliamentary career, though he lacks firmness of purpose. He dines with Ferdinand Lopez at the Progress Club, where they discuss politics, ambition, and Lopez's interest in Everett's sister, Emily. Lopez seeks insight into Mr. Wharton's opinion of him, hoping to gauge his chances of marrying Emily.
Themes in this chapter
Political Ambition and Power
Everett Wharton dreams of a parliamentary career and discusses the need for organization in the Liberal party, while Lopez dismisses parliamentary ambition as vain.
Wealth and Financial Insecurity
Everett struggles with his £400 annual allowance and dreams of a handsome income, while Lopez discusses the debasing nature of money-making and the value of a fortune.
Deception and Self-Invention
Lopez flatters Everett to gain favor with the Wharton family, and his past blackballing at clubs is kept hidden, illustrating his self-invention.
Characters to notice
- Everett Wharton
Introduced as a good-looking, manly fellow with broad shoulders and a bushy beard, lacking firmness of purpose. He has abandoned the Stock Exchange and now aspires to a parliamentary career, though he struggles with his allowance and is popular with women.
- Ferdinand Lopez
Dines with Everett at the Progress Club, discusses politics and his indifference to Parliament. He flatters Everett and seeks to understand Mr. Wharton's view of him, as he aspires to marry Emily Wharton.
- Abel Wharton
Mentioned as Everett's father, who is cold and reserved toward Lopez, though he has allowed Lopez to dine at his home. Everett believes his father would not pay for a parliamentary seat.
- Emily Lopez
Referred to as Everett's sister, whom Lopez aspires to marry. Everett describes her as honest with prim notions.
Key passages
“The proper study of mankind is man.”
The most important subject for people to understand is human nature itself.
Everett quotes Pope to criticize modern men for not occupying their minds with real interests.
“I can conceive no vainer object of ambition than a seat in the British Parliament.”
Lopez believes that wanting to be in Parliament is a pointless goal.
Lopez expresses his indifference to political ambition during the dinner conversation.
“A man has a right to that for which he has paid, and if he passes over laches of that nature without observation he does an injury to humanity at large.”
A person deserves what they pay for, and ignoring such failures harms everyone.
Everett jokingly defends his complaint about the lack of horseradish at dinner.