Phoebe, Junior · Question
How does Phoebe, Junior develop the theme of Wealth and Power?
Answer
Phoebe, Junior by Margaret Oliphant develops Wealth and Power across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Wealth grants individuals like Mr. Copperhead immense influence over social and religious circles, allowing them to override moral scruples and dominate others. The narrative critiques how money corrupts relationships and distorts values within the chapel community.
Mr. Copperhead's pride in his useless son and expensive possessions reflects his view of wealth as a means to display power and status, even through waste.
Mr. Copperhead's wealth allows him to host a ball despite religious prejudices, and his friends' envy gratifies him more than aristocratic approval.
Mrs. Copperhead's lavish spending and carriage highlight the privileges of wealth, while Ursula's daydream reveals her longing for the power to provide for her family.
Evidence in the book
- The Leading Member
Mr. Copperhead's pride in his useless son and expensive possessions reflects his view of wealth as a means to display power and status, even through waste.
- Mr. Copperhead's Ball
Mr. Copperhead's wealth allows him to host a ball despite religious prejudices, and his friends' envy gratifies him more than aristocratic approval.
- Shopping
Mrs. Copperhead's lavish spending and carriage highlight the privileges of wealth, while Ursula's daydream reveals her longing for the power to provide for her family.
- X: Papa
The sinecure represents an easy income and independence, highlighting the allure of wealth without labor.
- XXIII: Tided Over
The chapter explores the anxiety of debt and the use of financial instruments like bills to maintain appearances and stave off ruin, reflecting the precarious nature of wealth and the power of those who control credit.
- XXXIV: An Extravagance
Mr. May's purchase of the bookcase with James's money illustrates the seductive power of even a small surplus, and his rationalization of extravagance as a gentleman's due.
- The Millionaire
Mr. Copperhead's wealth gives him the power to insult and dominate others, and Mr. May hopes to appeal to his liberality for financial help.
- XXXVIII: An Expedition
Mr. May's financial calculations hinge on Mr. Copperhead's wealth and the potential payments, highlighting the power of money over personal security.
