# XV: A New Affection explained — The Titan

> Chapter companion for The Titan by Theodore Dreiser.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xv-a-new-affection
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_titan_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_titan_se/chapters