# Corruption and Morality in The Titan

> Theme guide for The Titan by Theodore Dreiser.

The narrative exposes the pervasive bribery and ethical decay in politics and business, showing how legislators, aldermen, and journalists are bought and sold, while Cowperwood justifies his actions as necessary for progress, blurring the line between right and wrong.

## Where it surfaces

- [Now This Is Fighting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/viii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/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—”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xx-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxvi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxx-obstacles): The use of a friendly judge, questionable injunctions, and demolition on a legal holiday to seize private property.
- [XXXI: Untoward Disclosures](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxxiv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxxv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxxvi-an-election-draws-near): The division of police graft, gambling perquisites, and franchise bribes illustrates the systemic corruption underlying the election.
- [The New Administration](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xxxix-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xliv-a-franchise-obtained): Cowperwood uses Sluss's private moral lapse to force a public political outcome, highlighting the hypocrisy of the era.
- [XLVIII: Panic](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/xlix-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/lv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/lxi-the-cataclysm): The chapter details widespread bribery of aldermen and the moral outrage of the public and press.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/themes/corruption_and_morality
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_titan_se/themes