# The Duke of Omnium Thinks of Himself explained — The Prime Minister

> Chapter companion for The Prime Minister by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

The Duke of Omnium, Prime Minister, decides to accompany the Duchess to Gatherum Castle for the grand house party, despite her preference for him to stay away until later. He reflects on his role as Prime Minister, feeling uncertain about his success, and expresses concern about the conspicuous display of wealth. The Duchess, though admiring his generosity, struggles to sympathize with his desire for a quieter life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Ambition and Power

The Duke grapples with his role as Prime Minister, feeling uncertain about his success and the burdens of public life, while the Duchess pursues social grandeur to bolster his position.

### Wealth and Financial Insecurity

The Duke's immense wealth allows for lavish spending on Gatherum, but the Duchess must manage the details discreetly to avoid his scrutiny, highlighting the tension between opulence and control.

### Marriage and Courtship

The Duke and Duchess's relationship is strained by differing priorities: his desire for quiet domesticity versus her ambition for social prominence, yet they express mutual love and respect.

## Character check-ins

### The Duke of Omnium

Decides to go to Gatherum Castle immediately, reflects on his premiership and the burden of public display, and expresses a desire for a quieter life.

### The Duchess of Omnium

Plans the Gatherum entertainments, is surprised by the Duke's change of plans, and tries to manipulate him into staying away.

### Mrs. Finn

Accompanies the Duchess as a minister and confidante, discussing the public fuss over the Gatherum party.

### Locock

The Duchess's steward, comments on the Duke's financial generosity.

### Sir Orlando Drought

Mentioned as one of the early guests at Gatherum, whom the Duchess thinks the Duke would not specially care to meet.

### Mr. Rattler

Mentioned as a guest at Gatherum and as someone who expressed confidence in the Ministry's endurance.

## Key lines

> A ribbon cannot be given away without breaking the hearts of, perhaps, three gentlemen and of their wives and daughters.

Even a small honor like a ribbon causes disappointment among many aspirants and their families.

_Reflects the Duke's awareness of the political and social costs of patronage._

> I would not have you make yourself conspicuous by anything like display. There are ill-natured people who will say things that you do not expect, and to which I should be more sensitive than I ought to be.

The Duke warns the Duchess against excessive ostentation, fearing criticism that would hurt him deeply.

_Highlights the Duke's anxiety about public perception and his desire for a more private life._

## Links

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