# The Horns explained — The Prime Minister

> Chapter companion for The Prime Minister by Anthony Trollope.

## What happens

The Duchess of Omnium, despite being snubbed and ridiculed, continues her relentless social campaign to support her husband's ministry, hosting lavish parties at her villa 'The Horns' in Richmond. She reflects on her struggles with popularity, expenditure, and the familiarities she must endure, while the Duke faces internal opposition from Sir Orlando Drought over shipbuilding and county suffrage, leading to a fragile coalition government.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Ambition and Power

The Duchess's relentless social efforts to bolster her husband's ministry highlight the intersection of personal ambition and political power, despite ridicule and internal coalition strife.

### Wealth and Financial Insecurity

The Duchess's extravagant spending on parties, justified by her wealth, contrasts with the underlying financial pressures and the Duke's reluctance to address them.

### Reputation and Scandal

The Duchess faces public ridicule and gossip, yet persists; the Duke's ministry is criticized as 'Faineants,' reflecting the constant battle over reputation in political life.

### Gender Roles and Power

The Duchess navigates her role as a political hostess, using traditionally feminine social spaces to exert influence, while being subjected to familiarities and judgment from men like Captain Gunner.

## Character check-ins

### The Duchess of Omnium

Perseveres in hosting parties at The Horns despite ridicule; struggles with the burdens of her social campaign and her husband's political difficulties.

### The Duke of Omnium

Prime Minister facing internal coalition strife, particularly with Sir Orlando Drought; reluctantly follows the old Duke's advice to avoid immediate resignation.

### Mrs. Finn

Questions the Duchess's extravagant spending; referenced in a conversation about the legacy from the old Duke.

### Sir Orlando Drought

Leads opposition within the Cabinet over shipbuilding and county suffrage; threatens resignation.

### Captain Gunner

Engages in familiar banter with the Duchess, reporting gossip about her; represents the type of person she must endure.

### Phineas Finn

Works on a measure to increase Irish municipal power, though he hardly believes in it.

### The Duke of St. Bungay

Advises the Prime Minister to tolerate Sir Orlando, suggesting he will eventually self-destruct.

### Sir Timothy Beeswax

Mentioned as one who might follow Sir Orlando if he resigns.

## Key lines

> But the Duchess, though she had been much snubbed, still persevered.

Despite repeated setbacks and criticism, the Duchess continued her efforts undeterred.

_Highlights her resilience in the face of social and political opposition._

> She did not think that she brought first-class materials to her work, but she believed—a belief as erroneous as, alas, it is common—that first-rate results might be achieved by second-rate means.

She was aware of her limitations but mistakenly thought that mediocre efforts could produce excellent outcomes.

_Reflects the Duchess's self-awareness and the flawed logic behind her social campaign._

> Give Sir Orlando rope enough and he’ll hang himself.

Allow Sir Orlando enough freedom to act, and he will eventually ruin himself.

_Advice from the old Duke to tolerate Sir Orlando's dissent until he self-destructs._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-horns
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters