The Titan · Chapter
Obstacles explained
Cowperwood faces two major obstacles in expanding his street-railway empire: a landowner named Redmond Purdy who refuses to sell a critical property for a tunnel project, and a growing political and media backlash led by rivals like MacDona
What happens
Cowperwood faces two major obstacles in expanding his street-railway empire: a landowner named Redmond Purdy who refuses to sell a critical property for a tunnel project, and a growing political and media backlash led by rivals like MacDonald, Schryhart, and Simms. Cowperwood uses legal manipulation and demolition on a holiday to seize Purdy's land, while the political battle over traction ordinances intensifies, leading to a contentious election.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Power
Cowperwood's relentless drive to expand his street-railway empire, using legal manipulation and force to overcome obstacles.
Corruption and Morality
The use of a friendly judge, questionable injunctions, and demolition on a legal holiday to seize private property.
Politics and Public Opinion
The media and political battle over traction ordinances, with rival newspapers and aldermen opposing Cowperwood's influence.
Characters to notice
- Frank A. Cowperwood
Orchestrates the demolition of Purdy's building and navigates political opposition to his traction plans.
- Redmond Purdy
Property owner who refuses to sell his land at a fair price, leading to its demolition by Cowperwood's men.
- Kent Barrows McKibben
Cowperwood's smooth and deadly legal advisor, involved in devising the scheme to seize Purdy's property.
- General Van Sickle
Aging legal advisor to Cowperwood, consulted on the Purdy matter but becoming dolty.
- Judge Nahum Dickensheets
A judge attached to Cowperwood's interests, who issues a questionable injunction to facilitate the demolition.
- Norman Schryhart
Newspaper owner and rival who leads the media campaign against Cowperwood's traction monopoly.
Key passages
“The impediments that can arise to baffle a great and swelling career are strange and various.”
The obstacles that can hinder a powerful and rising career are many and unpredictable.
Opening reflection on the nature of challenges faced by ambitious individuals.
“One million dollars! exclaimed Cowperwood. Don't you think that's a little steep, Mr. Purdy?”
Cowperwood was shocked at Purdy's demand of a million dollars for the property.
Key negotiation moment showing Purdy's exorbitant price and Cowperwood's reaction.
“By sundown of the next day (which, being Sunday, was a legal holiday, with no courts open or sitting to issue injunctions) this comely structure... was completely razed.”
By the end of Sunday, a legal holiday when courts were closed, the building was completely demolished.
Description of the strategic timing of the demolition to avoid legal interference.