# The Duke's Misery explained — The Prime Minister > Chapter companion for The Prime Minister by Anthony Trollope. ## What happens The Duke of Omnium, feeling the weight of his position as Prime Minister, confides in the Duke of St. Bungay about his doubts and the pressure from colleagues like Sir Orlando Drought. He is deeply troubled by the lack of genuine work and the mock work of politics, fearing historical judgment. Later, Major Pountney insolently asks the Duke to make him a candidate for Parliament, which the Duke sharply rebukes. The incident wounds the Duke, reinforcing his misery and sense of degradation. He then visits the Duchess, who is in high spirits and mentions a letter from Mr. Lopez, further upsetting him. The Duke ultimately expels Major Pountney from Gatherum Castle. ## Themes in this chapter ### Political Ambition and Power The Duke's misery stems from the burdens of power and the political ambitions of others, such as Major Pountney's audacious request and Sir Orlando's demands for a policy. ### Duty vs. Personal Desire The Duke struggles between his duty as Prime Minister and his personal desire for peace and seclusion, feeling degraded by the demands of office. ### Reputation and Scandal The Duke is deeply concerned about his historical reputation and the scandal of being seen as a weak leader, as well as the insult from Major Pountney. ## Character check-ins ### The Duke of Omnium The Prime Minister is deeply miserable, feeling the burdens of office, sensitive to criticism, and wounded by Major Pountney's insolent request. He confides in the Duke of St. Bungay and later expels Pountney. ### The Duchess of Omnium She is in high spirits and mentions a letter from Mr. Lopez, which further disturbs the Duke. She is present with Mrs. Finn when the Duke visits. ### Mrs. Finn She is with the Duchess when the Duke visits, and the Duke notes her presence as an obstacle to his private conversation. ### Major Pountney He insolently asks the Duke to make him a candidate for Parliament, is sharply rebuked, and is subsequently expelled from Gatherum Castle by the Duke's order. ### Sir Orlando Drought He is mentioned as having spoken to the Duke about policy, and the Duke recalls his arrogance in giving advice in the park. ### Ferdinand Lopez He is mentioned in a letter that the Duchess has received, which adds to the Duke's distress. ## Key lines > A man is wrong if he attempts to carry a weight too great for his strength. The Duke feels he is unfit for the heavy responsibilities of being Prime Minister. _The Duke expresses his self-doubt to the Duke of St. Bungay._ > I think, sir, that your proposition is the most unbecoming and the most impertinent that ever was addressed to me. The Duke rebukes Major Pountney for his audacious request to be made a candidate. _The Duke's sharp response to Major Pountney's insolence._ > If this was to be Prime Minister he certainly would not be Prime Minister much longer! The Duke feels so degraded by the incident that he considers resigning. _The Duke's internal reaction to Major Pountney's request._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxvii-the-duke-s-misery - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters