The Titan · Question
How does The Titan develop the theme of Politics and Public Opinion?
Answer
The Titan by Theodore Dreiser develops Politics and Public Opinion across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The novel details how political machines, newspapers, and public sentiment are manipulated by financial interests, showing the struggle between corporate power and emerging movements for public ownership, reform, and social justice in late 19th-century America.
The chapter highlights the intricate relationship between business interests and political machinery, as Cowperwood navigates the city's power structure through McKenty.
The chapter examines how Cowperwood must navigate newspaper influence and political alliances to achieve his goals, set against the backdrop of the Haymarket affair.
The media and political battle over traction ordinances, with rival newspapers and aldermen opposing Cowperwood's influence.
Evidence in the book
- A New Retainer
The chapter highlights the intricate relationship between business interests and political machinery, as Cowperwood navigates the city's power structure through McKenty.
- The Power of the Press
The chapter examines how Cowperwood must navigate newspaper influence and political alliances to achieve his goals, set against the backdrop of the Haymarket affair.
- Obstacles
The media and political battle over traction ordinances, with rival newspapers and aldermen opposing Cowperwood's influence.
- Enter Hosmer Hand
The chapter details how Hand and his allies manipulate political machinery and public sentiment through alliances with politicians like Gilgan and control of newspapers to defeat their enemies.
- A Political Agreement
The chapter focuses on a backroom political deal to swing an election, highlighting the manipulation of public opinion and the mechanics of machine politics.
- An Election Draws Near
The chapter details the machinations of ward bosses, secret meetings, and the use of public oratory and newspapers to sway voters.
- An Hour of Defeat
The election results shift the balance of power; Cowperwood must navigate the new council and mayor, while public sentiment is swayed by reformers and newspapers.
- The New Administration
The struggle between Cowperwood's faction and the reform coalition (Schryhart, Hand, Arneel) over aldermen and franchises shows the manipulation of political power.
