The Titan · Chapter
Obstacles explained
Cowperwood faces two major obstacles in expanding his street-railway empire: a landowner named Redmond Purdy who refuses to sell a critical property for a tunnel project, and a growing political and media backlash led by rivals like MacDona
What happens
Cowperwood faces two major obstacles in expanding his street-railway empire: a landowner named Redmond Purdy who refuses to sell a critical property for a tunnel project, and a growing political and media backlash led by rivals like MacDonald, Schryhart, and Simms. Cowperwood uses legal manipulation and demolition on a holiday to seize Purdy's land, while the political battle over traction ordinances intensifies, leading to a contentious election.
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
In this passage, the narrative reaches its emotional and psychological peak by elevating Frank Cowperwood to t…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Ambition and Power
Cowperwood's relentless drive to expand his street-railway empire, using legal manipulation and force to overcome obstacles.
- Corruption and Morality
The use of a friendly judge, questionable injunctions, and demolition on a legal holiday to seize private property.
- Politics and Public Opinion
The media and political battle over traction ordinances, with rival newspapers and aldermen opposing Cowperwood's influence.
Characters to notice
- Frank A. Cowperwood
Orchestrates the demolition of Purdy's building and navigates political opposition to his traction plans.
- Redmond Purdy
Property owner who refuses to sell his land at a fair price, leading to its demolition by Cowperwood's men.
- Kent Barrows McKibben
Cowperwood's smooth and deadly legal advisor, involved in devising the scheme to seize Purdy's property.
- General Van Sickle
Aging legal advisor to Cowperwood, consulted on the Purdy matter but becoming dolty.
- Judge Nahum Dickensheets
A judge attached to Cowperwood's interests, who issues a questionable injunction to facilitate the demolition.
- Norman Schryhart
Newspaper owner and rival who leads the media campaign against Cowperwood's traction monopoly.
Key passages
“The impediments that can arise to baffle a great and swelling career are strange and various.”
The obstacles that can hinder a powerful and rising career are many and unpredictable.
Opening reflection on the nature of challenges faced by ambitious individuals.
“One million dollars! exclaimed Cowperwood. Don't you think that's a little steep, Mr. Purdy?”
Cowperwood was shocked at Purdy's demand of a million dollars for the property.
Key negotiation moment showing Purdy's exorbitant price and Cowperwood's reaction.
“By sundown of the next day (which, being Sunday, was a legal holiday, with no courts open or sitting to issue injunctions) this comely structure... was completely razed.”
By the end of Sunday, a legal holiday when courts were closed, the building was completely demolished.
Description of the strategic timing of the demolition to avoid legal interference.
