# The Value of a Thick Skin explained — The Prime Minister

> Chapter companion for The Prime Minister by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Sir Orlando Drought's resignation from the Coalition is met with indifference in the House, and he seeks solace from his old friend Mr. Boffin, who criticizes the Coalition's lack of spirit. The session ends early, leading to a sense of political torpor. The Duke of St. Bungay confides in Lord Cantrip about the Prime Minister's moodiness and thin skin, attributing his unhappiness to an article by Mr. Slide. The Duke of Omnium struggles to fill Sir Orlando's vacancy, eventually moving Phineas Finn to the Admiralty, causing further complications. The Duchess tries to prolong the session but is rebuffed.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Ambition and Power

Sir Orlando's resignation and the Duke's struggle to fill vacancies illustrate the machinations and personal costs of political ambition.

### Reputation and Scandal

Mr. Slide's article in the People's Banner attacks the Prime Minister, showing how public scandal affects political figures.

### Duty vs. Personal Desire

The Duke's thin skin and desire to resign conflict with his duty as Prime Minister, while the Duchess's social ambitions clash with his need for quiet.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Orlando Drought

Resigns from the Coalition and is met with parliamentary indifference; later reconciles with Mr. Boffin.

### The Duke of Omnium

Prime Minister is moody, irritable, and thin-skinned, distressed by Mr. Slide's article and struggles with cabinet appointments.

### The Duchess of Omnium

Attempts to prolong the session but is rebuffed by the Duke; her overzealousness is noted as a source of tension.

### Lord Cantrip

Confides with the Duke of St. Bungay about the Prime Minister's condition and declines office.

### Phineas Finn

Reluctantly moved to the Admiralty to fill Sir Orlando's vacancy.

### Quintus Slide

Publishes an article attacking the Prime Minister, causing distress and political turmoil.

### Mr. Boffin

Reconciles with Sir Orlando, criticizing the Coalition's lack of spirit and the political torpor.

## Key lines

> What makes everybody and everything so dead?

Why does everything feel so lifeless?

_Sir Orlando laments the lack of political excitement after his resignation._

> One wants in a Prime Minister a good many things, but not very great things. He should be clever but need not be a genius; he should be conscientious but by no means straitlaced; he should be cautious but never timid, bold but never venturesome; he should have a good digestion, genial manners, and, above all, a thick skin.

A Prime Minister needs many modest qualities: intelligence without genius, conscientiousness without rigidity, caution without timidity, boldness without recklessness, good health, pleasant manners, and especially resilience to criticism.

_The Duke of St. Bungay advises on the essential traits for a Prime Minister, emphasizing the need for a 'thick skin.'_

## Links

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