Phineas Finn, the Irish Member: Analysis of Major Characters
"Phineas Finn, the Irish Member" is a novel that explores the political and personal journey of Phineas Finn, a young Irishman with aspirations to succeed in the British Parliament. Upon his election, Finn moves to London, where he forms relationships with several key characters, including Lady Laura Standish, Violet Effingham, and Madame Marie Max Goesler. Despite initial success and the promise of a bright political future, his career is thwarted by the passage of the Irish Reform Bill, leading him to return to Ireland.
The major characters play significant roles in shaping Finn's life; Lady Laura is infatuated with him but eventually marries Mr. Kennedy, while Violet, who captures Finn's affections, ultimately chooses to be with Lord Chiltern, a friend and rival. Meanwhile, Madame Goesler, a wealthy widow, proposes to Finn despite his engagement to Mary Flood Jones, his Irish sweetheart. The dynamics among these characters highlight themes of ambition, love, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships in the context of 19th-century British politics. Overall, the novel offers a rich exploration of character motivations and societal expectations, reflecting the intricate interplay between personal desires and public duties.
Phineas Finn, the Irish Member: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Anthony Trollope
First published: serial, 1867–1869; book, 1869
Genre: Novel
Locale: The British Isles
Plot: Political realism
Time: Mid-nineteenth century
Phineas Finn (FIHN-ee-uhs), a personable young Irishman with political aspirations. Elected to Parliament, he goes to London, where he makes a number of influential friends and becomes enamored, in turn, of Lady Laura Standish, Violet Effingham, and Madame Marie Max Goesler. Material and political advancement point to a promising career until passage of the Irish Reform Bill abolishes his borough. His parliamentary career over, he returns to Ireland and marries his Irish sweetheart, Mary Flood Jones.
Mary Flood Jones, a pretty Irish girl in love with Phineas Finn, whom she marries when he returns to Ireland at the end of his parliamentary career.
Lady Laura Standish, Lord Brentford's daughter, who is in love with Phineas Finn. She marries Mr. Kennedy after she exhausts her fortune on her profligate brother, Lord Chiltern.
Lord Brentford, a prominent Whig.
Mr. Kennedy, a wealthy member of Parliament who marries Lady Laura Standish.
Lord Chiltern, the profligate son of Lord Brentford and a friend of Phineas Finn. He is in love with Violet Effingham, whose hand he wins as Phineas' rival.
Violet Effingham, courted by Phineas Finn but in love with Lord Chiltern, whom she finally accepts.
Madame Marie Max Goesler, a wealthy young widow who offers her hand and fortune to Phineas Finn, who is already engaged to Mary Flood Jones.
The Duke of Omnium, the elderly suitor of Madame Goesler.