The Way We Live Now · Chapter
XL: “Unanimity Is the Very Soul of These Things.” explained
Paul Montague meets with Augustus Melmotte, who pressures him to be unanimous in the railway board's decisions, offering him a trip to California or a buyout of his shares.
What happens
Paul Montague meets with Augustus Melmotte, who pressures him to be unanimous in the railway board's decisions, offering him a trip to California or a buyout of his shares. Melmotte also invites him to a grand dinner, but Paul refuses the bribe. Later, Paul receives a note from Mrs. Hurtle, shortening his reprieve.
Themes in this chapter
Speculation and Ruin
Melmotte warns of ruining widows and children if shares fall, highlighting the fragility of credit.
Deception and Hypocrisy
Melmotte preaches unanimity while offering bribes and concealing the true state of the railway.
Social Mobility and Class
Melmotte's dinner invitations and house rental from Longestaffe illustrate social climbing.
Characters to notice
- Paul Montague
Confronted by Melmotte about unanimity on the board; offered a trip to California or a buyout; refuses dinner ticket.
- Augustus Melmotte
Pressures Paul for unanimity, offers a bribe of a dinner ticket, and discusses the railway scheme.
- Mrs. Hurtle
Sends a note to Paul expecting him the next day, ending his reprieve.
- Roger Carbury
Mentioned indirectly as part of the Carbury family; not directly present.
- Hetta Carbury
Recalled by Paul as he danced with her at Melmotte's ball.
- Mr. Cohenlupe
Mentioned by Melmotte as a director with experience in Parliament.
- Lord Alfred Grendall
Mentioned by Melmotte as a director who sees further than Paul credits.
- Ezekiel Brehgert
Mentioned as having met with Melmotte about the Moldavian loan.
Key passages
“Unanimity is the very soul of these things;—the very soul, Mr. Montague.”
Melmotte insists that total agreement among directors is essential for the railway's success.
Melmotte's repeated emphasis on unanimity reveals his desire to control the board.
“We mustn’t ruin widows and children, Mr. Montague. We mustn’t let those shares run down 20 below par for a mere chimera.”
Melmotte argues that dissent could cause a catastrophic drop in share prices, harming innocent investors.
Melmotte uses the threat of financial ruin to pressure Paul into compliance.
“I’ve got a ticket I can let you have. You know how they’re run after.”
Melmotte offers Paul a highly sought-after dinner ticket as a bribe.
The dinner ticket is a transparent attempt to win Paul's loyalty.