XXXI: Untoward Disclosures explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Love and Betrayal

  Cowperwood's affair with Cecily Haguenin betrays Haguenin's trust, while his affair with Mrs. Hand betrays Hosmer Hand's hospitality and friendship.

• Corruption and Morality

  Cowperwood's disregard for conventional morality in his personal relationships contrasts with Haguenin's outrage and sense of decency.

• Wealth and Its Illusions

  Financial ties and endorsements complicate personal betrayals; Cowperwood's wealth allows him to dismiss the consequences of his actions.

Characters to notice

• Frank A. Cowperwood

  Confronted by Haguenin about his affair with Cecily; remains unrepentant and pragmatic. Also begins an affair with Mrs. Hosmer Hand.

• Haguenin

  Discovers Cowperwood's relationship with his daughter Cecily, confronts him, and ends their association.

• Cecily Haguenin

  Confesses to her father about her affair with Cowperwood, insisting she is of age and wishes to live her own life.

• Hosmer Hand

  Wealthy financier who lends Cowperwood money; unaware of the affair between Cowperwood and his wife.

• Caroline Hand

  Mrs. Hosmer Hand; socially ambitious and restless, she begins an affair with Cowperwood.

Key passages

• “Coincident with these public disturbances and of subsequent hearing upon them was the discovery by Editor Haguenin of Cowperwood’s relationship with Cecily.”

  At the same time as the public uproar, Editor Haguenin learned of Cowperwood's affair with his daughter Cecily.

  Sets up the central conflict of the chapter.

• “I merely wish to say to you that the relationship between you and me is ended. The one hundred thousand dollars you have endorsed for me will be arranged for otherwise as soon as possible, and I hope you will return to me the stock of this paper that you hold as collateral.”

  Haguenin tells Cowperwood their friendship and business ties are over, and he will find another way to cover the loan Cowperwood endorsed.

  Haguenin severs all ties with Cowperwood due to the affair.

• “It was silly the way parents insisted on their daughters being something that they did not wish to be.”

  Cowperwood dismisses Haguenin's anger, believing parents should not control their adult children's choices.

  Reveals Cowperwood's rationalization and lack of remorse.

• “Far more serious were his cogitations with regard to a liaison he had recently ventured to establish with Mrs. Hosmer Hand, wife of an eminent investor and financier.”

  Cowperwood was more concerned about his new affair with Mrs. Hosmer Hand than about Cecily Haguenin.

  Highlights Cowperwood's prioritization of his own interests and risks.