The Way We Live Now · Chapter
The Election explained
Melmotte faces the fallout of his financial and legal troubles while standing for election in Westminster.
What happens
Melmotte faces the fallout of his financial and legal troubles while standing for election in Westminster. Despite the desertion of the Grendalls and growing public suspicion, he maintains a facade of confidence. The chapter details his strained interactions with his wife and daughter, his receipt of a demanding letter from Slow and Bideawhile regarding the Pickering property, and his eventual victory at the polls. Meanwhile, Mr. Alf delivers a scathing speech against Melmotte, and Mr. Broune discusses the scandal with Lady Carbury.
Themes in this chapter
Speculation and Ruin
Melmotte's financial empire teeters as Mexican Railway shares fall and legal demands for payment arise, highlighting the precarious nature of speculative ventures.
Deception and Hypocrisy
Melmotte maintains a public facade of confidence despite known forgery and robbery; Mr. Alf's speech condemns Melmotte while acknowledging the rumors may be false.
Gender and Power
Melmotte threatens to flog Marie for disobedience, yet she defies him; Madame Melmotte is isolated and fearful, illustrating the power dynamics within the family.
Characters to notice
- Augustus Melmotte
Returns home comforted by the day's proceedings, swaggers before his wife and servants, receives a letter from Slow and Bideawhile, and learns he has been elected for Westminster.
- Madame Melmotte
Frightened by Melmotte's behavior and the desertion of the Grendalls; asks about moving and is rebuffed.
- Marie Melmotte
Defiantly refuses to be forced into marriage with Lord Nidderdale, stating that flogging will not make her obey.
- Lady Carbury
Receives a visit from Mr. Broune and inquires about the scandal surrounding Melmotte.
- Mr. Broune
Visits Lady Carbury to discuss the Melmotte scandal and the election; expresses uncertainty about Melmotte's guilt.
- Mr. Cohenlupe
Depressed and unhappy as Mexican Railway shares are low.
- Mr. Ferdinand Alf
Delivers a speech attacking Melmotte's character and is reported to have been elected.
Key passages
“I think we shall do pretty well, he said to the clerk.”
Melmotte expressed cautious optimism to his clerk about the election.
Melmotte's attempt to project confidence despite underlying troubles.
“If she throws me over, I'll throw her over. I'll flog her within an inch of her life if she disobeys me.”
Melmotte threatened to disown and physically punish Marie if she refuses to marry Lord Nidderdale.
Melmotte's violent and controlling attitude toward his daughter.
“We have to remind you, said the letter, ... that the title-deeds were delivered to you on receipt by us of authority to that effect from the Messrs. Longestaffe, father and son, on the understanding that the purchase-money was to be at once paid to us by you.”
Slow and Bideawhile demanded immediate payment for the Pickering property or return of the deeds.
The legal pressure on Melmotte regarding the Longestaffe property transaction.
“I make no allusion, and have made no allusion, to reports which were circulated yesterday about him, and which I believe were originated in the City. They may be false or they may be true.”
Mr. Alf claimed he was not referring to the rumors about Melmotte, but left their truth open.
Alf's strategic ambiguity in his election speech.
