Phineas Redux · Chapter
Cagliostro explained
Parliament is set to meet after Easter, and intense speculation surrounds the Cabinet Councils held beforehand.
What happens
Parliament is set to meet after Easter, and intense speculation surrounds the Cabinet Councils held beforehand. Mr. Daubeny ultimately announces his resignation and recommends Mr. Gresham to form a government, but not before delivering a fiery speech denouncing the House of Commons and the opposition. After his departure, Mr. Gresham postpones his statement. Phineas Finn discusses the event with Mr. Monk, who likens Daubeny to a political conjuror, while Ratler and Bonteen comment on the party's disintegration.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This scene represents the dramatic climax because it depicts the emotional and psychological peak of Mr. Kenne…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Political Ambition and Compromise
Daubeny's resignation and speech highlight the interplay of ambition, party loyalty, and political maneuvering.
- Scandal and Public Opinion
The press and clubs are rife with speculation and conflicting reports about the Cabinet's decisions.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Daubeny
Resigns as Prime Minister after defeat on his great measure, delivers a scathing speech against the House and opposition, then leaves.
- Mr. Gresham
Receives Her Majesty's commands to form a government; postpones his statement after Daubeny's speech.
- Phineas Finn
Observes the proceedings and discusses Daubeny's performance with Mr. Monk.
- Mr. Monk
Characterizes Daubeny as a political Cagliostro, a dangerous conjuror.
- Barrington Erle
Comments to Bonteen that Daubeny was 'very great' but the party is broken up.
- Mr. Bonteen
Agrees with Ratler that Daubeny's speech was powerful but the party is in atoms.
Key passages
“I have always felt that there has been a mistake about Mr. Daubeny. By many he has been accounted as a statesman, whereas to me he has always been a political Cagliostro.”
Mr. Monk says he never considered Daubeny a true statesman, but rather a clever trickster.
Mr. Monk's assessment of Daubeny as a political conjuror.
“He was very great, said Ratler to Bonteen. Did you not think so? Yes, I did—very powerful indeed. But the party is broken up to atoms.”
Ratler and Bonteen agree Daubeny's speech was impressive, but acknowledge the party is shattered.
Reaction of party insiders to Daubeny's speech.
