The Prime Minister · Chapter
XIX: Vulgarity explained
The Duchess of Omnium, feeling accused of vulgarity by her husband, resolves to continue her efforts to support his prime ministership through lavish entertaining at Gatherum Castle.
What happens
The Duchess of Omnium, feeling accused of vulgarity by her husband, resolves to continue her efforts to support his prime ministership through lavish entertaining at Gatherum Castle. She works tirelessly preparing for guests, while the Duke, walking alone, reflects with distaste on the ostentatious changes made to the estate, viewing them as unnecessary and vulgar display. Their evening conversation reveals tension between her practical exertions and his disapproval of the grandeur.
Themes in this chapter
Reputation and Scandal
The Duchess fears being seen as vulgar, while the Duke worries about appearing ridiculous; both are concerned with public perception and the scandal of improper display.
Duty vs. Personal Desire
The Duchess suppresses her own weariness and desire for ease to fulfill her perceived duty to support her husband's political career, despite his criticism.
Wealth and Financial Insecurity
The Duke reflects on the cost of the alterations, not from stinginess but from a sense that such spending is wasteful and inappropriate for his station.
Characters to notice
- The Duchess of Omnium
Struggles with her husband's accusation of vulgarity, yet resolves to continue her work for his political success; tirelessly oversees preparations at Gatherum Castle.
- The Duke of Omnium
Disapproves of the lavish alterations to the estate, viewing them as unnecessary and vulgar; walks alone and later confronts the Duchess about her efforts.
- Mrs. Pritchard
The housekeeper at Gatherum Castle; discusses logistical preparations with the Duchess, including sheets, tablecloths, and the arrival of the French cook.
Key passages
“Would it not be better to give it all up, and be a great woman, une grande dame, of another kind—difficult of access, sparing of her favours, aristocratic to the backbone—a very Duchess of duchesses?”
The Duchess considers abandoning her efforts and adopting a haughty, aloof aristocratic persona.
Reflects her internal conflict between active political support and traditional aristocratic detachment.
“Vulgar! Well;—let her be vulgar as long as she gained her object.”
She decides to accept the label of vulgarity if it helps achieve her goal of supporting her husband.
Highlights her pragmatic resolve in the face of her husband's criticism.
“But here was an assumed and preposterous grandeur that was as much within the reach of some rich swindler or of some prosperous haberdasher as of himself—having, too, a look of raw newness about it which was very distasteful to him.”
The Duke feels the new grandeur is vulgar and common, lacking the dignity of inherited status.
Illustrates his disdain for ostentation and his preference for understated nobility.