Ambition and Power

Where it surfaces

• The New City

  Cowperwood resolves to rebuild his fortune and dominate new ventures, viewing Chicago as a land of opportunity.

• A Reconnoiter

  Cowperwood's strategic reconnaissance of Chicago's financial landscape and his determination to seize opportunities reflect his relentless ambition for wealth and influence.

• A Chicago Evening

  Cowperwood's determination to rebuild his fortune and Aileen's social aspirations drive their move to Chicago, highlighting their relentless pursuit of success.

• Peter Laughlin & Co.

  Cowperwood's calculated partnership with Laughlin demonstrates his strategic ambition to gain a foothold in Chicago's financial world, securing majority control from the outset.

• Concerning a Wife and Family

  Cowperwood's resolve to rule alone and his strategic use of Laughlin as a tool demonstrate his relentless ambition and desire for control.

• The New Queen of the Home

  Cowperwood's strategic planning for social and business advancement, and Aileen's determination to succeed as a hostess, demonstrate their shared ambition.

• VII: Chicago Gas

  Cowperwood's relentless drive to consolidate Chicago's gas industry and his strategic pivot to suburban franchises demonstrate his ambition for financial and political power.

• Now This Is Fighting

  Cowperwood's strategic expansion into suburban gas markets demonstrates his relentless drive for financial and political control.

• The Fruits of Daring

  Cowperwood's daring gas franchise scheme and Schryhart's attempt to co-opt it illustrate the relentless pursuit of financial and political dominance.

• A New Retainer

  Cowperwood's strategic pursuit of a gas franchise demonstrates his relentless ambition and desire to consolidate power in Chicago's financial and political landscape.

• A Fateful Interlude

  Cowperwood's drive extends beyond business to personal conquests, using his wealth and influence to orchestrate his romantic life.

• Man and Superman

  Cowperwood wields financial power and personal intimidation to control the situation, demonstrating his relentless drive to protect his reputation and ambitions.

• A Matter of Tunnels

  Cowperwood's relentless drive to control Chicago's street-railways is portrayed as an obsession, with the refrain 'To own these street-railways!' echoing his desire for dominance.

• Street-Railways at Last

  Cowperwood's strategic maneuvering to gain control of the North Chicago Street Railway, using financial leverage and political connections to outmaneuver the old guard.

• The Power of the Press

  Cowperwood's relentless pursuit of control over Chicago's street-railways and his vision of becoming a national financial magnate.

• Love and War

  Cowperwood's relentless pursuit of both romantic conquest and financial dominance in Chicago.

• XXVIII: The Exposure of Stephanie

  Cowperwood's use of a secretary to investigate Stephanie demonstrates his need for control and his willingness to wield power in personal matters.

• Obstacles

  Cowperwood's relentless drive to expand his street-railway empire, using legal manipulation and force to overcome obstacles.

• A Political Agreement

  Both Gilgan and Kerrigan are driven by personal ambition and the desire for control over city resources, illustrating the relentless pursuit of power.

• An Election Draws Near

  Tiernan and Kerrigan's secret plot to seize control of patronage reflects their ambition for greater power beyond McKenty's favor.

• An Hour of Defeat

  Cowperwood's relentless drive to maintain control despite political defeat; his enemies' ambition to destroy him through the elevated railway scheme.

• XLIII: The Planet Mars

  Cowperwood's drive to expand his transit empire despite fierce opposition from Chicago's financial elite.

• XLV: Changing Horizons

  Cowperwood envisions himself as a national figure and plans a New York mansion as a monument to his success, reflecting his relentless drive.

• American Match

  Cowperwood's relentless expansion of his elevated railway empire and his strategic manipulation of banks and stocks demonstrate his drive for dominance.

• XLVIII: Panic

  Cowperwood's secret manipulation of the American Match collapse demonstrates his relentless ambition and strategic use of power to profit at the expense of his rivals.

• Mount Olympus

  Cowperwood's defiance and threat to 'gut every bank' demonstrate his relentless ambition and willingness to wield power against the established financial order.

• A New York Mansion

  Cowperwood's relentless drive for wealth, prestige, and a lasting monument; his desire to rank with Eastern magnates.

• Wanted—Fifty-Year Franchises

  Cowperwood's drive to consolidate his traction empire and secure fifty-year franchises reflects his relentless pursuit of financial and political dominance.

• Cowperwood and the Governor

  Cowperwood's relentless pursuit of a franchise extension and his willingness to bribe a governor illustrate his overweening ambition and drive for power.

• LVIII: A Marauder Upon the Commonwealth

  Cowperwood's relentless pursuit of a fifty-year franchise demonstrates his drive for financial and political control, even in the face of widespread opposition.

• LX: The Net

  Cowperwood's relentless pursuit of a transit monopoly and his defiance of public opinion highlight his ambition and belief in his own superiority.

• LXI: The Cataclysm

  Cowperwood's relentless pursuit of a fifty-year franchise demonstrates his iron will and ambition to dominate Chicago's streetcar system.

• LXII: The Recompense

  Cowperwood's relentless drive for wealth and control is central, culminating in his defeat and the philosophical reflection on the costs of his ambition.