The Titan · Chapter
An Election Draws Near explained
As the Chicago municipal election approaches, Cowperwood and McKenty face a powerful opposition coalition led by Hand, Schryhart, Arneel, and Merrill.
What happens
As the Chicago municipal election approaches, Cowperwood and McKenty face a powerful opposition coalition led by Hand, Schryhart, Arneel, and Merrill. McKenty's lieutenants Tiernan and Kerrigan secretly conspire with Gilgan and Edstrom to form a rival political faction, meeting in Milwaukee to divide future patronage and graft. The campaign becomes a public spectacle of denunciations and counter-accusations, with Cowperwood remaining confident but aware of the stakes.
Themes in this chapter
Politics and Public Opinion
The chapter details the machinations of ward bosses, secret meetings, and the use of public oratory and newspapers to sway voters.
Ambition and Power
Tiernan and Kerrigan's secret plot to seize control of patronage reflects their ambition for greater power beyond McKenty's favor.
Corruption and Morality
The division of police graft, gambling perquisites, and franchise bribes illustrates the systemic corruption underlying the election.
Characters to notice
- Frank A. Cowperwood
Observes the campaign attacks against him with a smile; plans legal and political defenses with McKenty and Addison.
- John J. McKenty
Hosts a dinner for Tiernan and Kerrigan, attempting to secure their loyalty; depends on a councilmanic majority.
- Patrick Gilgan
Secretly meets with Tiernan, Kerrigan, and Edstrom to plan a division of political spoils.
- Michael Tiernan
Feigns loyalty to McKenty while conspiring with Kerrigan and Gilgan; feels undervalued after ten years of service.
- Addison Cowperwood
Dismisses Republican candidate Sluss as a tool of the Arneel-Schryhart interests.
- Hosmer Hand
Identified as the key figure behind the opposition campaign against Cowperwood.
Key passages
“There are other ways of going to City Hall than by going yourself.”
McKenty implies that he can influence the city government through his council allies rather than running for office himself.
Reflects McKenty's confidence in his behind-the-scenes political control.
“He used to be a clerk in the Douglas Trust Company. He’s made a little money recently in the paper business. He’s a mere tool for the Arneel-Schryhart interests. He hasn’t the courage of a two-inch fishworm.”
Addison dismisses Republican candidate Sluss as an insignificant pawn of the wealthy opposition.
Shows the contempt of Cowperwood's camp for their opponents.
“It was a fine, handsome political dream, and as such worthy of every courtesy and consideration but it was only a political dream in its ultimate aspects.”
The secret agreement among Tiernan, Kerrigan, Gilgan, and Edstrom to divide future spoils is described as an ambitious but ultimately unrealistic fantasy.
Highlights the fragility and impermanence of political alliances.