# Concerning a Wife and Family explained — The Titan

> Chapter companion for The Titan by Theodore Dreiser.

## What happens

Cowperwood, hardened by his prison experience, resolves to rule alone and avoid dangerous partnerships. He partners with Peter Laughlin as a mere tool while keeping a low profile. His lawyer, Harper Steger, negotiates a divorce from Lillian Cowperwood, who finally agrees to a settlement of $200,000 and provisions for their children. The divorce is granted quietly, and Cowperwood prepares to marry Aileen Butler, who rejoices at becoming his legal wife.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ambition and Power

Cowperwood's resolve to rule alone and his strategic use of Laughlin as a tool demonstrate his relentless ambition and desire for control.

### Individual vs. Society

Cowperwood's rejection of social expectations and his determination to dictate terms to society highlight his individualistic, anarchistic nature.

## Character check-ins

### Frank A. Cowperwood

Resolves to rule alone after prison; partners with Peter Laughlin as a tool; secures divorce from Lillian to marry Aileen.

### Lillian Cowperwood

Reluctantly agrees to divorce after Steger's persuasion; receives $200,000 settlement and provisions for children.

### Aileen Cowperwood

Thrilled at news of divorce; anticipates becoming Mrs. Frank Algernon Cowperwood.

### Harper Steger

Cowperwood's lawyer; skillfully negotiates divorce with Lillian, using tact and persistence.

### Peter Laughlin

Partner in firm Peter Laughlin & Co.; described as a mere tool in Cowperwood's hands.

## Key lines

> He could, should, and would rule alone. No man must ever again have the least claim on him save that of a suppliant.

Cowperwood is determined to be completely independent and never again be beholden to anyone.

_Reflects his hardened resolve after prison._

> He had annexed him as a surgeon selects a special knife or instrument for an operation, and, shrewd as old Laughlin was, he was destined to be no more than a tool in Cowperwood’s strong hands.

Cowperwood uses Laughlin as a mere instrument, much like a surgeon uses a tool, despite Laughlin's own shrewdness.

_Illustrates Cowperwood's manipulative and strategic approach to partnerships._

> If he would fix two hundred thousand dollars on her and the children (this was Cowperwood’s own suggestion) and later on do something commercially for their only son, Frank, junior, she would let him go.

Lillian agrees to the divorce on the condition of a $200,000 settlement and future commercial help for their son.

_Key terms of the divorce agreement._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/v-concerning-a-wife-and-family
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_titan_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_titan_se/chapters