Bertram Cope’s Year · Question
How does Bertram Cope’s Year develop the theme of Social Manipulation and Patronage?
Answer
Bertram Cope’s Year by Henry Blake Fuller develops Social Manipulation and Patronage across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The narrative revolves around Medora Phillips and Basil Randolph maneuvering to control and possess Bertram Cope through invitations, gifts, and influence, treating him as a social trophy to be displayed and managed.
Mrs. Phillips exerts control over Cope by sending him on errands and treating him as a subordinate, while Randolph observes with a desire to extend a 'friendly hand' that might shape young men's futures.
Mrs. Phillips orchestrates Cope's visit as part of her social machine, using entertainment as a means of control and assessment.
Mrs. Phillips orchestrates the event, subtly controlling the interactions and expectations, and later manipulates Cope's feelings of obligation.
Evidence in the book
- I: Cope at a College Tea
Mrs. Phillips exerts control over Cope by sending him on errands and treating him as a subordinate, while Randolph observes with a desire to extend a 'friendly hand' that might shape young men's futures.
- II: Cope Makes a Sunday Afternoon Call
Mrs. Phillips orchestrates Cope's visit as part of her social machine, using entertainment as a means of control and assessment.
- III: Cope Is "Entertained"
Mrs. Phillips orchestrates the event, subtly controlling the interactions and expectations, and later manipulates Cope's feelings of obligation.
- IV: Cope Is Considered
Randolph uses indirect inquiries and patronage to learn about Cope, reflecting his desire to control social interactions.
- VI: Cope Dines—and Tells About It
Cope strategically cultivates influential people like Mrs. Phillips and Randolph, aware of social caste and the benefits of patronage.
- VII: Cope Under Scrutiny
Randolph's careful probing of Cope's background and his strategic invitations reflect a patronizing interest and subtle manipulation.
- Cope Undertakes an Excursion
Mrs. Phillips orchestrates the excursion, using her social influence to bring Cope into her circle, while Randolph navigates his role as a patron.
- XIII: Cope Dines Again—and Stays After
Mrs. Phillips orchestrates the dinner to display Cope to her high-society circle, but her patronage fails to produce the desired impression.
