# Get Round Him explained — The Prime Minister

> Chapter companion for The Prime Minister by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

Ferdinand Lopez maintains his anger toward Emily for over a week after the Richmond scene, believing she disobeyed him by corresponding with Arthur Fletcher. He eventually reconciles with her to secure her father's favor, as Mr. Wharton is his main financial hope. Lopez pressures Emily to 'get round' her father to influence his will, revealing his manipulative nature. Emily, meanwhile, begins to see the unworthiness of her husband and regrets her marriage, contrasting him with Arthur Fletcher's genuine manliness.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Self-Invention

Lopez manipulates his wife and father-in-law, pretending reconciliation while scheming for inheritance.

### Marriage and Courtship

Emily's disillusionment with her marriage contrasts with her earlier idolization of Lopez; she regrets rejecting Arthur Fletcher.

### Wealth and Financial Insecurity

Lopez's urgent need for money drives his plot to influence Mr. Wharton's will, highlighting financial anxiety.

## Character check-ins

### Ferdinand Lopez

Maintains anger at Emily for a week, then reconciles to use her to influence Mr. Wharton's will; reveals his manipulative and financially desperate nature.

### Emily Lopez

Suffers from Lopez's anger and begins to realize her marriage was a mistake; contrasts Lopez's 'deportment' with Arthur Fletcher's true manliness.

### Abel Wharton

Described as very old and leaning on Lopez; his will and property are the focus of Lopez's schemes; he misses Emily's company.

### Everett Wharton

Kept apart from his father by Lopez's manipulation; Lopez reports that Everett will not visit unless the father expresses a wish.

### Arthur Fletcher

Recalled by Emily with regret; his letter was innocent and his character is contrasted favorably with Lopez's.

## Key lines

> Get round him when he's a little down in the mouth. That is the way in which old men are conquered.

Lopez tells Emily to manipulate her father when he is vulnerable, revealing his cynical view of human relationships.

_This line encapsulates Lopez's instrumental approach to family and his lack of respect for Mr. Wharton._

> She could now see the difference between manliness and 'deportment.'

Emily realizes that true manliness is not about outward show but inner character, contrasting Arthur Fletcher with Lopez.

_Key moment of Emily's awakening to her husband's unworthiness._

> The man who could enjoin her to 'get round' her father could never have been worthy of the love she had given him.

Emily concludes that Lopez's request to manipulate her father proves he is unworthy of her love.

_Final judgment in the chapter, marking Emily's emotional turning point._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxxix-get-round-him
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters