The Prime Minister · Chapter
St. James's Park explained
In late September, Everett Wharton and Ferdinand Lopez spend time together in London.
What happens
In late September, Everett Wharton and Ferdinand Lopez spend time together in London. Everett is frustrated with his father for not supporting his parliamentary ambitions, while Lopez reveals his own hopes of entering Parliament to improve his prospects of marrying Emily. They walk through St. James's Park at night, where tensions rise as Everett becomes increasingly rude and Lopez grows impatient.
Themes in this chapter
Political Ambition and Power
Both Everett and Lopez discuss their desires to enter Parliament, highlighting the importance of political power and the obstacles they face.
Social Class and Identity
Everett's sense of entitlement as a potential heir contrasts with Lopez's outsider status, reflecting class tensions.
Wealth and Financial Insecurity
Everett's financial dependence on his father and Lopez's speculative ventures underscore the role of money in their ambitions.
Characters to notice
- Everett Wharton
Frustrated with his father for not supporting his parliamentary ambitions; feels neglected by the Wharton family; drinks and becomes quarrelsome during the walk.
- Ferdinand Lopez
Content with his recent visit to Gatherum Castle and hopeful about parliamentary prospects; tolerates Everett's rudeness but notes his foolishness.
- Abel Wharton
Mentioned as Everett's father who refuses to fund his son's parliamentary ambitions and is critical of his spending.
- Emily Lopez
Referenced as the object of Lopez's marriage ambitions; her father's opposition is a key concern.
- The Duchess of Omnium
Corresponded with Lopez about the possibility of the Duke supporting his candidacy for Silverbridge.
- Arthur Fletcher
Mentioned as a rival for Emily and as someone who had a falling out with Everett over Lopez.
Key passages
“Was it possible that he should refrain from blaming his father for not allowing him to obtain, early in life, that parliamentary education which would fit him to be an ornament to the House of Commons, and a safeguard to his country in future years?”
Everett felt it was impossible not to resent his father for denying him the early parliamentary training that would have made him a distinguished MP and a protector of the nation.
Everett's resentment toward his father for hindering his political career.
“Lopez was quite contented with his own present sojourn in London. He had not only been at Gatherum Castle but was going there again. And then he had brilliant hopes before him—so brilliant that they began, he thought, to assume the shape of certainties.”
Lopez was very satisfied with his current stay in London, having visited Gatherum Castle and expecting to return, with his hopes becoming so bright they seemed like certainties.
Lopez's optimism about his social and political prospects.
“I don't say you ain't an Englishman, but you are not quite enough of an Englishman to understand what Parliament is to us.”
Everett told Lopez that while he didn't deny Lopez was English, he wasn't English enough to grasp the importance of Parliament to someone like Everett.
Everett's condescending attitude toward Lopez's understanding of English politics.
“Lopez bore with him, simply noting in his own mind that Everett Wharton was a greater ass than he had taken him to be.”
Lopez tolerated Everett's behavior, mentally concluding that Everett was even more foolish than he had previously thought.
Lopez's private judgment of Everett's character.
