The Way We Live Now · Chapter
Mr. Melmotte on the Day of the Election explained
On the day of the Westminster election, Melmotte faces growing rumors of fraud.
What happens
On the day of the Westminster election, Melmotte faces growing rumors of fraud. He methodically destroys incriminating documents, maintains a composed public facade, and visits his bank to project normalcy despite the crisis.
Themes in this chapter
Speculation and Ruin
Melmotte's financial empire is crumbling as rumors of fraud spread, and he is forced to destroy documents and project false confidence to stave off ruin.
Deception and Hypocrisy
Melmotte maintains a blandly triumphant public smile while privately destroying evidence and facing potential arrest, embodying the theme of deception.
Characters to notice
- Augustus Melmotte
Melmotte rises early, destroys documents in Mr. Longestaffe's study, walks through London with a triumphant smile, and visits his bank to maintain appearances despite the election and fraud rumors.
- Adolphus Longestaffe
Mr. Longestaffe's study is used by Melmotte; Melmotte examines the lock on Longestaffe's locked desk drawer after destroying his own papers.
- Mr. Ferdinand Alf
Mr. Alf's committee debates whether to use the fraud rumors against Melmotte in the election, ultimately deciding against overt action.
- Lord Alfred Grendall
Mentioned as having been with Melmotte late at night in the study.
- Sir Felix Carbury
Referenced indirectly through the £250 paid by Mr. Broune on account of money Sir Felix took from Marie Melmotte.
- Mr. Broune
Mr. Broune paid £250 to Melmotte on account of money taken by Sir Felix from Marie Melmotte.
Key passages
“No election of a Member of Parliament by ballot in a borough so large as that of Westminster had as yet been achieved in England since the ballot had been established by law.”
This was the first time a parliamentary election by secret ballot had been held in a large borough like Westminster since the Ballot Act was passed.
Historical context about the novelty of the ballot system.
“He would go through it, always armed, without a sign of shrinking. It had to be done, and he would do it.”
Melmotte resolved to face the crisis without showing any fear or weakness, determined to endure whatever came.
Melmotte's internal resolve to maintain composure under pressure.
“He went along Bond Street and Piccadilly, Regent Street and through Pall Mall to Charing Cross, with the blandly triumphant smile of a man who had successfully entertained the great guest of the day.”
Melmotte walked through central London with a calm, victorious expression, as if he had just hosted a successful dinner for the Emperor.
Melmotte's public performance of confidence despite the crisis.