The Titan · Chapter
Love and War explained
Cowperwood pursues an affair with Stephanie Platow, establishing secret bachelor quarters and learning of her dramatic ambitions and past relationship with Gardner Knowles.
What happens
Cowperwood pursues an affair with Stephanie Platow, establishing secret bachelor quarters and learning of her dramatic ambitions and past relationship with Gardner Knowles. Meanwhile, he navigates political opposition from Norman Schryhart, young MacDonald, and other influential figures as he pushes ordinances through the city council for the La Salle Street tunnel and a downtown streetcar loop, with support from John J. McKenty and Addison Cowperwood.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Power
Cowperwood's relentless pursuit of both romantic conquest and financial dominance in Chicago.
Corruption and Morality
Use of political connections and money to secure ordinances; moral ambiguity in Cowperwood's affair with Stephanie.
Love and Betrayal
Cowperwood's affair with Stephanie Platow, complicated by her past with Gardner Knowles and the secrecy of the relationship.
Characters to notice
- Frank A. Cowperwood
Deepens his affair with Stephanie Platow while advancing his street-railway schemes in Chicago.
- Stephanie Platow
Reveals her dramatic ambitions and past with Gardner Knowles; becomes Cowperwood's lover.
- Norman Schryhart
Expresses opposition to Cowperwood's political influence and council victories.
- John J. McKenty
Advises Cowperwood to ignore critics and proceed with the tunnel and loop ordinances.
- Addison Cowperwood
Confers with Cowperwood and McKenty about young MacDonald's request and the political situation.
- Truman Leslie MacDonald
Angered by Cowperwood's disregard of his advice and private telephone message; vows continued opposition.
Key passages
“He learned speedily, in talking with her on several days when they met for lunch, of her dramatic ambitions, and of the seeming spiritual and artistic support she required from someone who would have faith in her and inspire her by his or her confidence.”
During their lunches, Cowperwood quickly discovered Stephanie's theatrical aspirations and her need for someone to believe in her and encourage her creatively.
Reveals Stephanie's artistic nature and Cowperwood's role as a patron.
“The evil was now done, and the best that he could do, if he cared for her at all—and he did—was to overlook it.”
Since the harm was already done, Cowperwood decided to forgive Stephanie's past indiscretion because he genuinely cared for her.
Shows Cowperwood's pragmatic acceptance of Stephanie's history.
“I see our friend Mr. Cowperwood has managed to get his own way with the council. I am morally certain he uses money to get what he is after as freely as a fireman uses water.”
Schryhart observes that Cowperwood has won over the city council and suspects he bribes officials as easily as a fireman uses water.
Highlights Schryhart's suspicion of corruption and his opposition to Cowperwood.
“My advice is to go ahead and never mind them. To hell with them! Things will be sweet enough, once you are as powerful as they are.”
McKenty urges Cowperwood to ignore his critics and proceed, promising that power will eventually silence them.
Reflects McKenty's pragmatic and ruthless political philosophy.
