The Titan · Chapter
XV: A New Affection explained
Cowperwood's relationship with Rita Sohlberg deepens as he deliberately cultivates her interest, using Aileen's friendship with the Sohlbergs as a cover.
What happens
Cowperwood's relationship with Rita Sohlberg deepens as he deliberately cultivates her interest, using Aileen's friendship with the Sohlbergs as a cover. Through gifts, attention, and a carefully orchestrated carriage ride, he persuades Rita to meet him secretly, marking the beginning of an affair that threatens to unravel her marriage and his own.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Betrayal
Cowperwood's calculated seduction of Rita Sohlberg while maintaining a facade of fidelity to Aileen exemplifies the theme of romantic betrayal.
Wealth and Its Illusions
Cowperwood uses his wealth—expensive roses, theater tickets, and lavish dinners—to create an illusion of irresistible allure, drawing Rita into his orbit.
Characters to notice
- Frank A. Cowperwood
Actively pursues Rita Sohlberg, using Aileen's friendship with the Sohlbergs as a pretext; sends expensive roses and arranges a secret meeting.
- Rita Sohlberg
Struggles with her conscience but is increasingly drawn to Cowperwood; agrees to meet him secretly beyond the Rush Street bridge.
- Aileen Cowperwood
Unwittingly fosters the affair by taking a sentimental interest in Harold Sohlberg, inviting the couple to social events, and driving with them.
- Harold Sohlberg
Flirts harmlessly with Aileen during the carriage ride; Cowperwood views him as a convenient dupe.
Key passages
“The very chemistry of life seems to play into the hands of a situation of this kind.”
Circumstances naturally align to support Cowperwood's pursuit of Rita.
Narrator's reflection on how life conspires to enable the affair.
“She flushed, trembled, turned pale, in the grip of this strange storm, but drew herself together.”
Rita is overwhelmed by emotion but manages to compose herself.
Describes Rita's physical and emotional reaction to Cowperwood's kiss.
“He was investing her, gradually beleaguering her, sealing up, apparently, one avenue after another of escape.”
Cowperwood systematically surrounds Rita, leaving her no way to avoid his advances.
Metaphor for Cowperwood's strategic seduction.