# XLV: Changing Horizons explained — The Titan

> Chapter companion for The Titan by Theodore Dreiser.

## What happens

Cowperwood, now worth twenty million dollars and possessing a premier art collection, contemplates building a New York mansion to escape Chicago's social rejection and to be nearer Berenice Fleming. Aileen, still devoted to him despite his neglect, has an affair with Polk Lynde but cannot break her emotional ties to Cowperwood, leading to tension with Lynde. Cowperwood's plans for a new house symbolize his ambition and his desire to leave behind the social defeat represented by his Chicago home.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wealth and Its Illusions

Cowperwood's twenty million dollars and art collection cannot buy social acceptance; Aileen's dreams of social triumph are dismissed as 'painted wood and tinsel.'

### Love and Betrayal

Aileen's affair with Lynde and Cowperwood's emotional infidelity toward Berenice Fleming highlight the fractured loyalties in their marriage.

### Ambition and Power

Cowperwood envisions himself as a national figure and plans a New York mansion as a monument to his success, reflecting his relentless drive.

## Character check-ins

### Frank A. Cowperwood

Reflects on his wealth, social standing, and plans for a New York mansion; his thoughts increasingly turn to Berenice Fleming.

### Aileen Cowperwood

Struggles with her social aspirations and her lingering devotion to Cowperwood; her affair with Polk Lynde is strained by her unresolved feelings.

### Berenice Fleming

The object of Cowperwood's growing passion; her beauty and indifference drive his desire to be near her.

### Polk Lynde

Aileen's lover; grows frustrated with her continued attachment to Cowperwood and confronts her about it.

### Ira George Carter

Mentioned in connection with Cowperwood's visit to Pocono and his relationship with Mrs. Carter.

## Key lines

> Nothing venture, nothing have had always been her motto, nailed to her mast, though her equipment for the life she now craved had never been more than the veriest make-believe—painted wood and tinsel.

Aileen's motto is 'nothing ventured, nothing gained,' but her preparation for the high society she desires is merely superficial and illusory.

_Highlights Aileen's delusion about her social prospects._

> He could not forget that once, behind the grim bars in the penitentiary for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, he had cried on her shoulder. He could not be an ingrate and wound her with his inmost thoughts any more than he could deceive himself.

Cowperwood remembers that Aileen comforted him during his imprisonment, and he feels he cannot repay her with cruelty or dishonesty.

_Shows Cowperwood's sense of obligation and internal conflict._

> There is a static something which is beauty, and this may be clothed in the habiliments of a ragged philosopher or in the silks and satins of pampered coquetry.

Beauty is a timeless quality that can be found in anyone, whether a poor thinker or a wealthy flirt.

_Reflects Cowperwood's idealized perception of Berenice's beauty._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xlv-changing-horizons
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_titan_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_titan_se/chapters