The Prime Minister · Chapter
Who Will It Be? explained
The Duchess of Omnium struggles with the resignation of her husband as Prime Minister, feeling that her ambitions have failed and that she has become almost ridiculous.
What happens
The Duchess of Omnium struggles with the resignation of her husband as Prime Minister, feeling that her ambitions have failed and that she has become almost ridiculous. She confronts the Duke about the possibility of his return to power, but he insists it is impossible. The Duke of St. Bungay proposes that Mr. Gresham form a new ministry with the Duke of Omnium's support, but the Duke is reluctant. Meanwhile, the Duchess discusses the political situation with Mrs. Finn and expresses her intention to visit Mrs. Lopez, feeling responsible for her husband's death. The chapter ends with the Duke of St. Bungay pressing the Duke of Omnium to reconsider his decision.
Themes in this chapter
Political Ambition and Power
The Duchess's disappointment and the Duke's resignation illustrate the fleeting nature of political power and the personal costs of ambition.
Reputation and Scandal
The Duchess feels her failure has made her 'almost ridiculous,' and the Duke's resignation is tied to the perception of his government's weakness.
Duty vs. Personal Desire
The Duke of Omnium struggles between his duty to serve the Queen and his personal desire to step away from office, while the Duchess desires his return for her own ambitions.
Characters to notice
- The Duchess of Omnium
Moody and sullen after her husband's resignation, she feels her triumphs are over and blames the Duke's lack of stubbornness. She later chats with visitors and plans to visit Mrs. Lopez.
- The Duke of Omnium
The late Prime Minister who has resigned. He is firm in his decision not to return to office, despite pressure from the Duchess and the Duke of St. Bungay.
- Mrs. Finn
The Duchess's confidante, who discusses politics and the Duke's possible return. The Duchess reflects on their first meeting and their friendship.
- Phineas Finn
Visits the Duchess's home and is mentioned as a potential member of a new ministry. The Duchess teases him about his political future.
- Emily Lopez
The widow of Ferdinand Lopez. The Duchess plans to visit her, feeling responsible for her husband's death and wanting to help her.
- The Duke of Omnium
Referred to as the Duke of St. Bungay in the text, he is the Nestor of the occasion, advising on the formation of a new ministry and pressing the Duke of Omnium to reconsider.
Key passages
“All her grand aspirations were at an end. All her triumphs were over. And worse than that, there was present to her a conviction that she never had really triumphed.”
The Duchess feels that her ambitions have failed and that she never truly achieved the dominance she sought.
Reflects the Duchess's disillusionment with her social and political role.
“I think I owe her something, and I would pay my debt if I knew how. I shall go and see her, and if she will marry this other man we'll take her by the hand.”
The Duchess feels responsible for Ferdinand Lopez's death and plans to visit his widow, Emily, to offer support and possibly help her remarry.
Shows the Duchess's guilt and desire to make amends for her role in Lopez's downfall.