Corruption and Morality

Where it surfaces

• Now This Is Fighting

  The chapter details the systematic bribery of councilmen and the use of corrupt lawyers like Van Sickle, portraying moral decay as a normal part of business.

• The Fruits of Daring

  Conspiracy and bribery charges against Cowperwood highlight the moral ambiguities of his methods and the public's reaction to his past.

• A New Retainer

  McKenty's background in graft, vote-selling, and vice exploitation underscores the moral compromises inherent in the pursuit of political and economic gain.

• XIII: The Die Is Cast

  The chapter highlights the hypocrisy of society: those who are 'socially unassailable' like the Addisons escape blame, while the Cowperwoods are punished for their moral transgressions.

• XIX: “Hell Hath No Fury—”

  Frank's infidelity and his use of Aileen's past as a mistress to deflect blame underscore the moral decay in their relationship.

• Man and Superman

  The chapter exposes the moral decay beneath polite society: adultery, bribery, and threats are used to cover up scandal, with Cowperwood rationalizing his actions as necessary.

• Street-Railways at Last

  The use of rumors, secret deals, and political manipulation (via McKenty) to force directors into accepting Cowperwood's lease, reflecting the morally ambiguous business practices of the era.

• Love and War

  Use of political connections and money to secure ordinances; moral ambiguity in Cowperwood's affair with Stephanie.

• XXVIII: The Exposure of Stephanie

  The chapter explores the moral decay of characters involved in secret affairs and the corrupting influence of wealth and desire.

• Obstacles

  The use of a friendly judge, questionable injunctions, and demolition on a legal holiday to seize private property.

• XXXI: Untoward Disclosures

  Cowperwood's disregard for conventional morality in his personal relationships contrasts with Haguenin's outrage and sense of decency.

• Enter Hosmer Hand

  Hand's moral outrage over Cowperwood's affair with his wife is used as a pretext for financial and political retaliation, revealing the hypocrisy and instrumental use of morality in business and society.

• A Political Agreement

  Gilgan and Kerrigan discuss vote-buying, ticket-splitting, and bribery, revealing the moral decay underlying political power struggles.

• An Election Draws Near

  The division of police graft, gambling perquisites, and franchise bribes illustrates the systemic corruption underlying the election.

• The New Administration

  The chapter details the deliberate entrapment of Mayor Sluss via Claudia Carlstadt and the bribery of aldermen, highlighting systemic political corruption.

• A Franchise Obtained

  Cowperwood uses Sluss's private moral lapse to force a public political outcome, highlighting the hypocrisy of the era.

• XLVIII: Panic

  The quadrumvirate's plotting to destroy Cowperwood, and Cowperwood's own deceptive dealings, highlight the moral decay and corruption underlying high finance.

• Mount Olympus

  The meeting reveals the moral hypocrisy of the financial elite, who condemn Cowperwood's methods while using their own power to manipulate markets and destroy rivals.

• Cowperwood and the Governor

  The attempted bribe and the governor's moral stand highlight the conflict between corrupt business practices and ethical governance.

• LVIII: A Marauder Upon the Commonwealth

  The bribery attempt, the manipulation of the legislature, and the cynical attitudes of politicians like Senator Christian highlight the moral decay in the political system.

• LIX: Capital and Public Rights

  The Mears bill is widely believed to have been passed through bribery, and Cowperwood is depicted as a briber and pirate, raising questions of moral degradation in business and politics.

• LXI: The Cataclysm

  The chapter details widespread bribery of aldermen and the moral outrage of the public and press.