The Prime Minister · Chapter
Showing That a Man Should Not Howl explained
Arthur Fletcher, still grieving over Emily Wharton's marriage to Ferdinand Lopez, resolves to carry his burden rather than try to forget her.
What happens
Arthur Fletcher, still grieving over Emily Wharton's marriage to Ferdinand Lopez, resolves to carry his burden rather than try to forget her. He writes a careful letter to Mrs. Lopez explaining why he cannot withdraw from the Silverbridge election, though he wishes to avoid opposing her husband. His brother John gently rebukes him for reckless behavior in the hunting field and urges him to channel his energies into his parliamentary ambitions rather than 'howling' over his loss.
Themes in this chapter
Duty vs. Personal Desire
Arthur struggles between his personal grief over losing Emily and his duty to stand for Parliament as expected by his family and political allies.
Reputation and Scandal
The Fletchers are concerned about Arthur's public behavior (reckless riding) and the family's reputation; Mrs. Fletcher's private scorn for Emily is suppressed to avoid scandal.
Deception and Self-Invention
Lopez is perceived by the Fletchers as an adventurer, a man not on 'solid basis,' implying he has invented a social position.
Characters to notice
- Arthur Fletcher
Resolves to carry his hopeless love for Emily as a lifelong burden; writes a careful letter to her about the election; rides recklessly in the hunting field, prompting his brother's concern.
- John Fletcher
The squire of Longbarns, quietly supportive of Arthur; represses their mother's harsh words about Emily; advises Arthur against sentimentalism and reckless riding, urging him to focus on Parliament.
- Emily Lopez
Referred to as Mrs. Lopez; Arthur's letter to her is taken 'very much amiss'; she is the object of Arthur's enduring devotion and Mrs. Fletcher's scorn.
- Ferdinand Lopez
Arthur's rival in love and now in the Silverbridge election; viewed by the Fletchers as an adventurer without solid standing.
- Mrs. Fletcher
Arthur and John's mother; expresses high indignation against Emily, calling her a 'mean slut,' but is repressed by John's authority.
- Reginald Cotgrave
A hunting companion who remarks to John on Arthur's reckless riding.
Key passages
“He was as a man who, having taken a burden on his back, declares to himself that he will, for certain reasons, carry it throughout his life.”
Arthur decides to bear his grief permanently, like a man who chooses to carry a heavy load forever.
Illustrates Arthur's resolve to remain devoted to Emily despite her marriage.
“A man howls if he goes about frowning always... Or laughing... Or galloping over the country like a mad devil who wants to get rid of his debts by breaking his neck.”
John tells Arthur that any extreme behavior driven by sorrow is a form of 'howling,' and he should instead face his troubles with composure.
John's advice encapsulates the chapter's title and theme of stoic endurance.
“If you'll do that—if you'll so manage that there shall be something to be done in Parliament which only you can do, you won't ride a runaway horse as you did that brute today.”
John urges Arthur to focus on his parliamentary career as a constructive outlet for his energies, rather than reckless behavior.
Highlights the tension between personal despair and public duty.