The India Office explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Speculation and Ruin

  The chapter highlights the speculative nature of Melmotte's political campaign, with newspapers contradicting each other about his wealth and honesty, and his supporters betting on his success despite clear risks.

• Deception and Hypocrisy

  The Conservative party's support for Melmotte is shown as hypocritical: they promote him for political gain despite his vulgarity and dubious background, while privately expressing disgust.

• Social Mobility and Class

  Melmotte's rise from a humble man to one who scolds Earls and snubs Dukes illustrates the tensions of social mobility, as his arrogance reveals his ignorance of gentlemanly conduct.

Characters to notice

• Augustus Melmotte

  Melmotte is the central figure of the chapter, portrayed as losing his head amid his political campaign. He becomes increasingly arrogant and vulgar, scolding Earls and snubbing Dukes, and at the India Office, he drunkenly demands an introduction to the Emperor of China from Lord De Griffin.

• Lord Alfred Grendall

  Lord Alfred accompanies Melmotte in his carriage and at events, but is nauseated by his behavior. He tells Beauchamp Beauclerk that Melmotte cannot be made mild except with a horsewhip, and is considering buying a cutting whip out of frustration.

• Marie Melmotte

  Marie is present at the India Office with her mother, noted as a curiosity due to her attempted elopement to New York. She is left in the background while Melmotte pushes forward.

• Madame Melmotte

  Madame Melmotte accompanies her husband and daughter to the India Office, but is left in the background as Melmotte orders Lord Alfred to take care of them.

• Lord Nidderdale

  Lord Nidderdale is mentioned as having observed Lord Alfred's disgust in Grosvenor Square, and he declares that Lord Alfred has invested in a cutting whip.

• Beauchamp Beauclerk

  Beauchamp Beauclerk is a leading Conservative who has been working hard for Melmotte's election. He attempts to get Lord Alfred to speak to Melmotte about his manner, but is rebuffed.

• Mr. Lupton

  Lionel Lupton, a young aristocrat in Parliament, is involved in the campaign but would rather give up his shooting than spend a day with Melmotte. He calls Melmotte 'the finest old turkey cock out.'

• Lord De Griffin

  Lord De Griffin is the under-secretary of state at the India Office, a studious and shy peer. Melmotte accosts him and demands an introduction to the Emperor, causing Lord De Griffin to attempt a weak escape.

Key passages

• “The more arrogant he became the more vulgar he was, till even Lord Alfred would almost be tempted to rush away to impecuniosity and freedom.”

  As Melmotte grew more arrogant, he also became more vulgar, to the point where Lord Alfred was nearly driven to abandon his dependent position and return to poverty and independence.

  This illustrates the theme of social mobility and class, showing how Melmotte's behavior alienates even his closest dependent.

• “If you got him down and trampled on him, you might make him mild. I don't think there's any other way.”

  Lord Alfred suggests that the only way to make Melmotte less arrogant would be to physically overpower him, indicating the impossibility of gentle correction.

  This quote underscores the theme of deception and hypocrisy, as Lord Alfred privately despises the man he publicly supports.