The Prime Minister · Chapter
The Beginning of a New Career explained
The chapter details the formation of a coalition ministry under the Duke of Omnium, focusing on the struggles of distributing subordinate offices and the personal tensions between the Duke and Duchess over the Mistress of the Robes appointm
What happens
The chapter details the formation of a coalition ministry under the Duke of Omnium, focusing on the struggles of distributing subordinate offices and the personal tensions between the Duke and Duchess over the Mistress of the Robes appointment. The Duke appeases the Duchess by informing her of Phineas Finn's promotion to Chief Secretary for Ireland, while the new government begins its work with relative tranquillity.
Themes in this chapter
Political Ambition and Power
The chapter explores the unblushing assertion of pretensions for office, the formation of a coalition ministry, and the personal distaste of the Duke for the process.
Marriage and Courtship
The Duke and Duchess's relationship is strained over the Mistress of the Robes appointment, but the Duke's gesture regarding Phineas Finn's promotion helps appease her.
Reputation and Scandal
The Duchess's personal invective against the new Mistress of the Robes and the Duke's concern about her behavior reflect themes of reputation and social propriety.
Characters to notice
- The Duke of Omnium
Struggles with the formation of the coalition ministry, feeling distaste for the process and dealing with unblushing office-seekers like Mr. Rattler and Mr. Roby.
- The Duchess of Omnium
Moody and disappointed after being refused the Mistress of the Robes position, but is appeased when the Duke informs her of Phineas Finn's promotion.
- Phineas Finn
Appointed Chief Secretary for Ireland, considered the luckiest man in the ministerial scramble.
- Mr. Rattler
One of the office-seekers who unblushingly asserts his pretensions to the Duke, claiming a promise of a certain office.
- Mr. Roby
Another office-seeker who, along with Mr. Rattler, claims the Duke promised him a specific position, causing the Duke frustration.
- Sir Orlando Drought
Assigned to lead the House of Commons as the principal spirit, though Mr. Rattler doubts his position.
- Barrington Erle
Declined the Chief Secretary position for Ireland, described as the one man in Parliament modest enough not to consider himself fit for any place offered.
- The Duke of Omnium
Also referred to as the younger Duke, he sighs over the degenerate patriotism of the age during the formation of the ministry.
Key passages
“The Duchess of ⸻ is to be Mistress of the Robes”
The Duke informs the Duchess that another woman has been appointed to the prestigious position she desired.
This triggers the Duchess's disappointment and the subsequent marital tension.
“Mr. Finn is to go to Ireland.”
The Duke tells the Duchess that Phineas Finn has been appointed Chief Secretary for Ireland.
This news helps to appease the Duchess's anger about the Robes appointment.
“To be told within the same half-hour by two men that I had made promises to each of them inconsistent with each other!”
The Duke complains to the older duke about Mr. Rattler and Mr. Roby each claiming he promised them the same office.
Highlights the Duke's frustration with the unblushing office-seekers during the coalition formation.
