# The New Queen of the Home explained — The Titan

> Chapter companion for The Titan by Theodore Dreiser.

## What happens

Cowperwood and Aileen marry in Dalston, Pennsylvania, and move to Chicago, where they lease a furnished house on Michigan Avenue. Cowperwood advises Aileen to avoid pushing social exchange too far, planning instead to build a fine house and travel to Europe. They host a dinner for the Addisons, Alexander Rambaud and his wife, and architect Taylor Lord. Aileen, anxious to make a good impression, dresses elaborately and tries to charm the guests, while the men admire her physical beauty. The chapter highlights Aileen's transition into her new role as Cowperwood's wife and her struggle to navigate Chicago society.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Ostracism

Aileen's anxiety about fitting into Chicago society and Cowperwood's caution about pushing social exchange too far reflect the precariousness of their social standing.

### Wealth and Its Illusions

The lavish house, dresses, and dinner arrangements illustrate how wealth is used to create an impression of status, while Aileen's inner nervousness reveals the illusion of security.

### Ambition and Power

Cowperwood's strategic planning for social and business advancement, and Aileen's determination to succeed as a hostess, demonstrate their shared ambition.

## Character check-ins

### Frank A. Cowperwood

Marries Aileen and moves to Chicago; plans their social strategy and hosts a dinner to introduce Aileen to key contacts.

### Aileen Cowperwood

Newly married to Cowperwood, anxious to impress at her first dinner party in Chicago; focuses on her appearance and social performance.

### Judah Addison

Attends the dinner; admires Aileen's beauty and contrasts her favorably with his wife.

### Addison Cowperwood

Attends the dinner with his wife; has not yet confided the true history of Cowperwood and Aileen to her.

### Mr. Rambaud

President of the Chicago & Northwestern; attends the dinner with his wife, who is described as intellectually tolerant.

### Taylor Lord

Architect invited to the dinner; helps Aileen by engaging her in conversation and admires her physical splendor.

## Key lines

> I want to tell you, dear, that you and I are really beginning life all over. Now it depends on how well we play this game as to how well we succeed.

Cowperwood tells Aileen that their marriage marks a fresh start, and their success depends on how skillfully they navigate social and business challenges.

_Cowperwood frames their new life as a strategic game, emphasizing the importance of careful planning._

> Oh, you big tiger! You great, big lion! Boo!

Aileen playfully calls Cowperwood a tiger and lion, expressing admiration for his strength and confidence.

_Aileen's affectionate nickname reflects her perception of Cowperwood as a powerful, predatory figure._

> She little knew the unsolvable mystery that he was even to himself—to himself most of all.

Aileen does not realize that Cowperwood himself is a mystery, even to his own understanding.

_The narrator highlights Cowperwood's complex inner nature, which remains hidden from Aileen._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/vi-the-new-queen-of-the-home
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_titan_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_titan_se/chapters