The Chicago Observatory still bears the name of the man who financed its construction - Charles T. Yerkes, aka Frank Cowperwood, the hero of the Desire trilogy. In the book, a decision costing a third of a million dollars is made at lightning speed; the dialogue with the rector literally fits into two pages. At the beginning we're talking about about a rather modest contribution (8-10 thousand, Chicago businessmen chipped in for equipment for the newborn university), after several remarks, in a matter of minutes weighing both his capabilities and the benefits of such a decision, Frank takes upon himself not only the purchase of a telescope - 40 thousand dollars , - but also the construction of an observatory, and this is already more than 300 thousand.
What prompted an experienced, cynical businessman to make such expenses? Calculation, says Dreiser. All the newspapers, even overseas, trumpeted the tycoon’s generosity; he was provided with huge loans needed to complete the construction of the empire, his competitors were crushed, the city authorities would not be able to refuse the benefactor a concession, and finally the lines of the Chicago elevated train would converge in the hands of Cowperwood.
Making a dream come true. Roads, especially rail roads - horsecars, later streetcars in the city, Northern Pennsylvania or some other railroad connecting the city with business and industrial centers, a path laid from the East Coast, long developed, through the splashing energy, seething with immigrants Midwest in the “territories” that had not yet become states - New Mexico, Texas - all these American roads awakened in self-made millionaires awe akin to religious, and simple-minded, childish greed, like shiny, and, moreover, working toys.
“Much of what we know and what Frank later learned did not yet exist - the telegraph, the telephone, home delivery, the city postal network and ocean steamships. There were not even postage stamps or registered letters. The horse-drawn horse has not yet appeared. Countless omnibuses plied within the city, and for long journeys served as a slowly developing network railways, still closely connected with the shipping canals." This is how Dreiser begins the first part of the “Financier” trilogy, infecting the reader with that passion to master, to know – even physiologically – America, with which the Yerkes generation came into the world.
In the 30s years XIX century, a new growth appeared in the North American United States, with its own special physiognomy, which for many years, and perhaps forever, defined the image of America in the eyes of the world. The state was just taking shape, and the lack of many elements of social, orderly life was acutely felt. Spontaneous masses of immigrants, of different tribes and different languages, rushed to the East Coast of the States, with difficulty grinding, digesting in a common cauldron; another outcome - an indomitable, spontaneous movement towards West coast. The Western, where “Smith and Wesson” is the law, partly romantically exaggerates, and yet a significant part of the population then lived in a pre-state state, and pre-statehood was manifested not only in the seizure of foreign lands (taken from the Indians, and from Mexico, and from those who had the misfortune of settling in America earlier), but also in a kind of early feudal way of life, in the absence of economic ties, hierarchy, and generally binding norms. Western and southern lands, populated by newcomers and more or less Native Americans, went through a period of quarantine, when they were called not a state, that is, a state, but a territory. Of course, in the cities of the East Coast, in New York, especially in Philadelphia and decorous Boston, the European habit of decency and law was preserved in one form or another; Something similar (and at the same time different) to the feudal system in the slave-owning states developed, but around and inside, in the ugly cities growing without a plan, the life that had been forgotten in Europe since the 9th-10th-11th centuries roamed and raged. Then, centuries after the fall of Rome and the final destruction of the empire, the energy of new construction awakened and splashed out in cruel enterprise and predatory raids. Europe was built by the Norman Vikings, who settled in Sicily, French Normandy, England, Novgorod and Kyiv. They started with raids on long ships, massacres and fires, violence; in the second and third generations they were baptized, founded cities, and with the same strong hand guaranteed protection and justice.
Cowperwood's peers, who quickly and unscrupulously grew rich, were sometimes compared to the Vikings, but another comparison is more stable - robber barons, robber barons. A little bit more late era, which does not want to take a stable form German Empire, “knights” settled in castles above the Rhine, each his own master, robbing travelers and fighting with their neighbors. Which comparison is more accurate? The scope of Yerkes, Morgan, Rockefeller is “Viking”, they would never limit themselves to one castle and its environs, and in fact, their work is rather “Norman” - construction, laying tracks (this is also where their love for railways and telegraph comes from). “Robber barons” is primarily an evaluative, condemning definition, although it has its own accuracy: not a close-knit squad of Vikings, but selfish loners, not a meeting of two cultures, pagan sailors and sedentary Christianity, but wandering, giving rise to paganism from itself thirst for profit, and the ease of accepting new forms, and the “old European” craving for a legally ordered community of life, a civic personality.
In the generation of the 1930s (in the same year of 1837 as Yerkes-Cowperwood, John Pierpont Morgan, the most famous of the Viking robbers, was born), everyone was his own pagan leader and the bishop who baptized him. These barons felt the need for an empire and a hierarchy with all acuteness, even if it was more convenient to be a robber in a vacuum of power.
It is very difficult to grasp the specifics of those years - how to convey the almost absence, groping, adjustment? Which Greek or scholastic philosophers should we bring in to describe the transitional era, when everything is already present in potential (there would be no idea of laws, ethics, system money circulation, transport and culture, there would be no need for them, so where would they come from?), but nothing yet exists in reality. It is hardly possible to show becoming, but it is worth trying to draw a “before” state from our “after”. This is exactly what Dreiser does in the prologue of The Financier, listing things that “did not exist then.” And let us note that all these are not just phenomena of technical progress, but means of communication. Roads, telegraph, post office. Money.
Money, of course, is the main plot of the Desire trilogy. By ability and vocation, by the spirit of the times, Frank Cowperwood is a money maker. Why was this money needed, what kind of desires can it fulfill - about this we'll talk in the second and third parts of the saga. Then the power of money will be revealed, a robber baron will make itself known, or - rise higher - a noble merchant, in the spirit of the Medici, building castles and universities, buying up paintings and women. In the first volume, the consumer function of money is quite modest - by the age of forty, a man built a mansion together with his father, and started a decent business. No more than the level of the “good middle class”. All the Financier’s money is not personal property, but in motion, in the most complex combinations, adventures, namely in making money. Money for its own sake social game, an invisible, and therefore mysterious and deified current by idolaters, real, like electricity in telegraph wires, and equally necessary for modern society, for its functioning as a single system.
"All monetary system The United States was then just beginning to move from a state of complete chaos to a state that vaguely resembled order. The Bank of the United States, founded by Nicholas Beadle, was finally liquidated in 1841. In 1846, the United States Treasury Department organized its treasury system. And yet, there were so many fictitious banks that the owner of a small money changer inevitably became a walking directory of solvent and insolvent enterprises. True, the situation gradually improved, since the telegraph facilitated not only the exchange of stock quotes between New York, Boston and Philadelphia, but even the connection between the office of a local stockbroker and the stock exchange. In other words, private telegraph lines, operating at a short distance. Mutual exchange information became faster, more accessible and improved day by day.
Very briefly USA, 19th century. A young, self-confident financier makes great progress, but by chance he becomes bankrupt. Love beautiful woman, instinct and fortune help him get back on his feet.
Chapters I-LIX
Frank Algernon Cowperwood has been drawn to the world of finance since childhood. At the age of 14, he started his first commercial adventure - buying and reselling soap. Already in adolescence he is interested exclusively beautiful girls. At seventeen, Cowperwood left school and began working. “Frank’s appearance... in those years was inviting and pleasant. Tall..., broad-shouldered and well-cut, with a large beautiful head and thick, curly dark brown hair. A living thought shone in his eyes, but their gaze was impenetrable...”
At the house of his father Henry, also a financier who works in a bank, the Sample couple often appears. Frank is fascinated by 24-year-old Lillian Sample. “It is difficult to say what attracted young Cowperwood to her, because neither in temperament nor in intelligence was she his equal... Lillian had thick, lush ash-colored hair, a pale... face, soft pink lips and a straight nose. Her gray eyes, depending on the lighting, seemed either blue or completely dark. Her hands were striking in their delicacy and beauty... Cowperwood was captivated by her appearance.”
After some time, Mrs. Sample's husband dies. Unfazed by the five-year difference, Frank courts Lillian. He manages to charm the woman and she marries him. Over four years of marriage, they have a son, Frank, and a daughter, Lillian.
After working in different companies and amassing initial capital, Cowperwood began his accounting and bill business. He believes in the future of horse-drawn railroads and invests heavily in stocks. Frank understands that all officials in Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania are speculating.
During the Civil War between the South and the North, he enlists the help of the Irishman Edward Butler to take out a loan, which allows Cowperwood to make a name for himself and compete with other major financiers. Butler is a prominent figure in political world and has extensive connections in high circles. He is very sympathetic to the young financier.
Frank notes the beauty and youthful freshness of Butler's eldest daughter Eileen, a blue-eyed girl with reddish-gold hair. The Butlers, along with their children (daughters Nora and Eileen and sons Calem and Owen), become frequent guests in the Cowperwood house. 18-year-old Eileen annoys Lillian and Frank's sister Anna with her whims and perky disposition. Frank, on the contrary, considers the girl lively and cheerful. Eileen also likes Cowperwood. She plays the piano and sings in his house only in Frank's presence.
The turning point in Cowperwood's career is his collaboration with George Stiner, the city treasurer. Stener is a toy of the Republican Party, namely the financial tycoons: Butler, Mollenhauer and Senator Simpson. They need a person who knows how to turn around money from the city treasury. Cowperwood is invited for this. All participants in the case receive good income from such financial transactions. Behind the back three main influential figures, Stiner and Cowperwood (on Frank's advice) begin to buy shares in horse-drawn railway lines through dummies.
Frank and his father are building mansions connected to each other. The decoration of the houses is in good taste. At this time, the financier begins to collect works of art.
An affair begins between Cowperwood and Eileen. Despite her Catholic upbringing, the girl does not think that her love is criminal. Frank is not used to taking into account moral and religious considerations. “My desires come first” is his motto.
The Chicago fire of October 7, 1871, destroys the moment financial well-being Cowperwood. The fire that engulfed trading part city, causing stock market panic. Frank has put five hundred thousand from the city treasury into circulation, and now this is his biggest problem. Stener is out of town, and Cowperwood decides to tell Butler everything frankly, hoping that he, Mollenhauer and Simpson will not allow the papers to depreciate. The banker also mentions the upcoming elections: the disappearance of such a huge sum from the treasury will quickly be revealed, and Stener, as a representative of the Republicans, will cast a shadow on the party. Butler matches him with two other aces. However, everyone sees their own benefit in what is happening and, although they sympathize with Frank, they do not consider it necessary to help him. At the same time, Butler receives an anonymous letter saying that Eileen is confused with Cowperwood. The daughter's reaction to the letter confirms what was written. The old Irishman is instantly overcome with hatred for Frank. Butler decides to drown the scoundrel, taking advantage of the upcoming threat of Cowperwood's bankruptcy.
Stener, a weak-willed and narrow-minded man, was persuaded by the troika of tycoons not to lend Frank city money under any circumstances. The new loan could save both Cowperwood and Stener, in addition to providing them with financial gain. The treasurer is afraid of the wrath of his masters, and, despite all the reasonable arguments of the banker, he refuses Cowperwood. Frank, contrary to his orders, manages to take a check for 60 thousand dollars from his secretary Albert Styres.
Lillian also receives an anonymous letter, but it does not indicate the name of Frank's mistress. “She knew that he was selfish, preoccupied only with himself and not nearly as passionate about her as before. Her fears about the difference in their ages gradually came true.” But decency, children and habit suggest staying with Cowperwood, especially now when he is facing bankruptcy.
Frank declares himself insolvent. Before the elections, they manage to hide the theft from the treasury, after which a trial begins against Cowperwood and Stener. Butler made every effort to achieve this, although according to the law the banker does not bear any responsibility. It was the ill-fated check issued by the secretary that became the reason to accuse Frank of deliberate theft.
All the Irishman’s attempts to force Eileen to leave and abandon her lover are in vain. The old man decides to take an extreme step: he contacts the Pinkerton agency and tracks down Eileen and Cowperwood with the detectives at the visiting house. The daughter is terribly offended: her father exposed her secret to strangers. How low!
Eileen leaves home to live with a friend, despite the adoration of her family. Only with the help of Frank does Edward manage to bring her home. The father understands that he will not be able to convince Eileen. The only hope is that the court will admit Cowperwood's guilt.
The banker hires a smart lawyer, Harper Steger. However, prosecutor Dennis Shannon and Judge Payderson are Butler's men. Frank and his lawyer count on the jury, but they convict. Steger files an appeal, but this does not bring results. The financier will serve a sentence of four years and three months in the Eastern Prison.
Cowperwood does not lose his presence of mind and courageously accepts his fate. This is a heavy blow for his entire family and wife. Eileen alone is determined to fight for her Frank, although she too is in despair. Both luxurious mansions - Frank's and his father's - are being auctioned off for debts.
Once in prison, Cowperwood sees a stark contrast between his former life and his present. Now he will live in a cramped cell with rats. He is given a job - weaving chairs, which brightens up the monotony of the prisoner's everyday life.
The prison warden, Michael Desmas, liked Cowperwood, and Desmas's helpful subordinate, Bonheg, makes Frank all sorts of concessions for a certain fee: the prisoner is brought from home with the necessary things, delicacies, more often than three months (which was a violation of prison rules) he can write letters and meet with visitors. Therefore, as soon as such an opportunity arises, Eileen comes to her beloved.
For the first time in his life, Cowperwood loses his composure, and he cries on Eileen's shoulder. “Her love was so boundless, so genuine...” At the same time, “her soul was overwhelmed by a furious, merciless rage against life... Father - damn him! Relatives - what does she care about them!.. Frank for her - All! She helps her beloved to pull himself together again.
On one of his dates with Lillian, Frank asks her for a divorce. They have absolutely different views for life, and he loves another. Lillian refuses to get a divorce.
Thirteen months later, both Stener and Cowperwood are released. This is due to the death of Edward Butler. All this time, Eileen pointedly behaved coldly towards her father, which was not hidden from her brothers. They soon find out the reason and begin to treat their sister with contempt.
While Frank was in prison, his affairs were managed by Wingate, an honest and conscientious man. All this time Cowperwood advised him, younger brothers Frank, Joseph and Edward, worked for Wingate and Company. Therefore, when the financier was released, he continued his business as a broker.
The largest credit institution, Jay Cooke and Co., invested huge amounts of money in the construction of a railroad in uninhabited territories that made up almost a third of the United States. But on September 18, 1873, the company went bankrupt. The stock exchange immediately begins to panic. Cowperwood's hour has come!
In just a few days, selling and buying everything he can, Frank earns a lot of money from the difference. He is a millionaire. Now there's nothing keeping him in Philadelphia. Because of the stigma of being a prisoner here, Frank can no longer regain his former reputation. Cowperwood gets a divorce from Lillian and leaves with Eileen for Chicago.
Something about Mycteroperca Bonaci
Using the example of the fish Mycteroperca Bonaci, simply black sea bass, the author talks about creative power. Due to changes in skin pigmentation and the ability to adapt, the fish can evade pursuit and insidiously attack on the sly. “For what purpose did the omnipotent and intelligent nature endow the perch with this feature?.. it can be mistaken for an instrument of deception, for the personification of lies...” Could this indicate that visible world- just an illusion?
Magic crystal
“The three witches who praised Macbeth in a thunderstorm in the wasteland, seeing Cowperwood, could say”: “reality for you is only a loss of illusions,” for the heart is tired of everyday experience, and the soul is cold as the night. Eileen, they could promise a lot of worries, hopes that crumbled into dust, love that flew around like a dandelion and died out in the darkness!
“And all this would be true. At such a beginning, anyone to a reasonable person I can’t see any other end.”
Series: Book 1 - Trilogy of Desires
Year of publication of the book: 1912
Dreiser's book "The Financier" was written and published in 1912. The work is part of the “Trilogy of Desire” cycle. Which to this day allows the writer to occupy high places among . The basis for writing the novel was the life story of the American financier Charles Yerkes.
The novel “The Financier” summary
The main character of Theodore Dreiser's novel The Financier, Frank Algernon Cowperwood, was born in Philadelphia into the family of a small bank employee. Henry Worthington Cowperwood (that was the name of little Frank's father) was a tall, thin and very tactful man. In addition, he had the ability not to get involved in disputes and the ability to inspire confidence in himself.
Frank's mother, Mrs. Cowperwood, was short, had light brown hair and was overly religious. She took a very careful approach to raising her three sons (Frank's brothers were named Edward and Joseph) and daughter Anna Adelaide.
Since childhood, Frank was interested in politics and economics. He was very independent and self-confident, and had all the qualities needed for a future leader. Gradually, Frank began to delve into his father's affairs. He came to his work, observing how banking transactions were carried out. Already between ten and fifteen years of age, the boy knew what stocks were and what the reasons for currency fluctuations were.
One day, Mrs. Cowperwood's brother Seneca Davis came to visit the main characters. Mr. Henry was flattered by such a visit, since in those days when he did not have enough money, his wife's rich relative never bothered to come. During the conversation, Seneca said that when Frank decides what he wants to do, he will help the boy get on his feet.
Frank was fourteen years old when, while walking along Front Street, he saw an auction taking place there. After carefully observing what is happening and calculating his benefit, Frank takes part in the auction. He buys a box of castile soap for thirty-two dollars and resells it to a grocer he knows for twice the price. Since then, the boy began to look for all kinds of ways to earn money.
A little later, he falls in love with the neighbor girl Patience Barlow, then with Dora Fitler, and after some time with Marjorie Stafford. At the age of seventeen, thanks to his uncle, Frank gets a job as an accountant at Henry Waterman and Co. and is soon appointed accountant. The boy so far exceeded all the expectations of his employers that by Christmas he was paid five hundred dollars for good service company and increase their salary to thirty dollars a week. But despite such a generous gesture, Frank still plans to leave his job at the company and try his hand at the stock exchanges.
In October next year Frank gets a job at the Ty and Co banking office. At first, Mr. Thai told Frank to work under the supervision of Arthur Reivers, a representative of the office on the stock market.
By that time, the Cowperwoods had already fully settled into their new home, and Mr. Henry was soon to be promoted to chief cashier. 
Frank meets Mrs. Lillian Sample. Her husband, the owner of a shoe store, Mr. Sample, came to visit Henry Cowperwood one day. He wanted to discuss with him about the development of a horse-drawn railway. This was a new and very promising way of transportation. Meanwhile, Frank couldn't stop thinking about Mrs. Sample. Lillian was twenty-four years old. She was tall and very graceful. But she was not superior to other girls either in intelligence or beauty. And besides, the fact of her marriage greatly prevented Frank from taking their communication to another level.
A year later, Mr. Sample died of a cold. Lillian cried constantly. Frank was at the funeral and then showed up to the widow twice and never showed up again. About six months later he began visiting Mrs. Sample again. He came every week and gradually began to like her.
Further in Dreiser’s novel “The Financier” we can read that Frank Seneca’s uncle died in Cuba, leaving his nephew an inheritance of fifteen thousand dollars. Soon a war began between the South and the North, a crisis arose in the country and many brokers went bankrupt. Frank decides to open his own accounting and billing office.
During a frank conversation, Frank confesses his love to Lillian. But the girl is worried public opinion, and she rejects him. But the young man’s persistence takes its toll, and Lillian agrees to become his wife. One fine October day they got married and left for New York, and then Boston, where they spent an unforgettable honeymoon.
Upon their return, they settled in Lillian's house and after some time she admitted to her husband that she was expecting a child. The couple named their first child Frank Jr. And a couple of years later, blue-eyed Lillian was born to them.
Frank wants to get permission to hold internal loan Pennsylvania. But for this he needs a companion. The choice falls on the contractor Edward Malia Butler, who had good connections in the field of politics. Frank soon met the Butler family: his wife, sons Owen and Kahlan, and daughters Nora and Eileen. During long conversations, he managed to persuade Mr. Edward to conclude a deal.
Lilian wants to organize dinner party for the Butlers. Frank begins to notice how much his wife has changed. Caring for two children and health problems took away all her lightness and grace. Gradually, Frank begins to look at other women and his gaze stops at the cheerful Eileen Butler.
Cowperwood approves a plan to build a new house for him and Lillian. He later meets treasurer George Stiner, who becomes his collaborator in financial fraud. All this is being monitored by Edward Butler, Senator Mark Simpson and businessman Henry Mollenhauer. The operations that they carried out and the shares of the horse-drawn railway, in which Frank had invested money all this time, bore fruit. The Cowperwoods' financial well-being reached new level. Frank and his father decided to invest in real estate. They built two houses next to each other. In honor of the housewarming, the family throws a reception. At the celebration, Eileen Butler realizes that she likes Frank and begins to flirt with him.
Soon a romance begins between the young people. Both of them understood that their relationship was leading nowhere, but passion forced them to close their eyes to it. Without thinking twice, Frank rents a house for secret meetings with Eileen.
On October 7, 1871, the famous Chicago fire occurred. The disaster itself did not affect Philadelphia in any way, but the panic that gripped the population reached the Pennsylvania town in a matter of days. People began to sell all the shares they had acquired, and banks demanded repayment of loans. Frank was out of town at the time, but as soon as he heard about the fire, he sent several telegrams. He was worried about Stinner, whose career was now in jeopardy due to scams. Cowperwood could only hope for Butler's help. But, like everyone else, they turned away from him. Neither Edward Butler, nor Mark Simpson and Henry Mollenhauer want to help the young man. At the same time, insurance and credit companies are declaring bankruptcy one after another. Frank asks Stinner for a debt, but he refuses him.
Further in the book "The Financier" Theodore Driesen tells how Mr. Butler learns from an anonymous person that his daughter is secretly dating Cowperwood. He demands his money back from Frank, and after a long conversation with Eileen, he becomes convinced that what is written in the anonymous letter is true. Then Edward decides to destroy Cowperwood, taking advantage of his current state of affairs.
Frank manages to borrow seventy-five thousand dollars from friends. But this is not enough to repay everyone's loans. Then he manages to find another sixty thousand. But Cowperwood understands that, despite all his efforts, he will have to declare his company bankrupt
Eileen comes to see Frank. She said that her father knows about their relationship. The girl confessed her love and said that she had been worried about her lover all night.
On the day Butler received the anonymous letter, the same message was delivered to Lillian. Only the anonymous author did not indicate the name of Frank's new lover. However, Mrs. Cowperwood already guessed that he was talking about Eileen.
Frank still had to close his office. Moreover, due to the false testimony of Mollenhauer, Simpson and Butler, he is accused of embezzlement. Now the young man faces prison.
Mrs. Molenhauer suggests that Nora and Eileen visit Paris. Eileen refuses. Then Mr. Butler has no doubts about his daughter’s connection with Cowperwood. To bring lovers out clean water, he decides to go to New York and hire detectives. A week later, Detective Alderson already knew where the lovers met. This was the so-called “visit house”. Butler and detectives break into this house and expose Eileen and Frank. Now the father worries that his daughter’s trust in him has been undermined. He begs Eileen to go to Europe for a while, but she categorically refuses. The girl admits to Cowperwood that she wants to leave the family and live with friends, but the young man recommends that she listen to her father so that their situation does not get worse.
As a result of long trial and heated jury debate, Frank Cowperwood is found guilty. Sheriff Edler Jespice provides the defendant with a private room for a fee. Advocate young man wants to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court and promises Cowperwood that he will be out of prison in five or six days. After the specified period, the court agrees to reconsider its decision. Frank, albeit temporarily, is released.
Eileen was delighted latest news. But she didn’t want to stay in the same house with her father. Therefore, she finally decided to escape, leaving her family a note with explanations. Having learned that his daughter has run away, Mr. Butler goes to Cowperwood to return his daughter to him. Frank finds his lover and asks her to return home. The girl agrees.
Cowperwood had two months before the appeal hearing, and he decides to restore his good name. Meanwhile, a rumor surfaces in society that Frank is cheating on his wife with Eileen Butler. In the eyes of many people, this discredited the young man. He realizes that he will not be able to avoid prison (although he still planned to appeal to the US Supreme Court) and tells Lillian about this. She realizes that she is in a rather fragile position. Her husband's bankruptcy, arrest and betrayal did not bode well for her. 
A few days before his arrest, Frank sees Eileen. She confesses her love to him and says that she will wait for him from prison and visit him as often as possible. She comes to court on Monday. The retrial of the case did not bring any results, except for a reduced sentence of three months. As a result, Frank is sentenced to imprisonment for four years and nine months.
The prison warden, Mr. Chapin, shows Cowperwood to his room. He reports that his wife has the right to visit him once every three months, and his lawyer – at least every day. Frank can also send letters once every three months. But, after talking with the warden, Cowperwood receives additional amenities in his cell: good bed linen, a table with books, new clothes. He corresponds with Eileen, who is serious about coming to see him.
Soon, Frank and Lillian's parents and their children are forced to move from their luxurious mansions to simpler houses. And all the Cowperwood property was sold at auction for an amount much less than its original cost.
The prisoner is transferred to another cell, which is equipped with a courtyard. The new warden allows Frank to receive visitors as much as he needs. Cowperwood immediately thinks of Eileen. After some time, the lovers meet. Frank's wife also begins to visit him often. But he no longer feels the love from her that he had before. And four months later, Frank decides to ask for a divorce. But Lilian is against it.
Six months after his imprisonment, Frank learns that Mr. Butler has died. After another six months, Cowperwood's lawyer seeks his early release. The former prisoner quickly finds a job, rents a small apartment and often sees Eileen. The lovers dream of leaving for the West. Due to the bankruptcy of the banking house Jay Cooke and Co., panic began in the city; shares began to plummet.
Dreiser's novel "The Financier" ends with Cowperwood managing to take advantage of this opportunity and become a millionaire. After some time, Lillian agrees to the divorce and Frank and Eileen move to Chicago.
The novel “The Financier” on the Top books website
Theodore Dreiser's novel “The Financier” was a popular read back in the USSR. This is one of the few books foreign writers which penetrated into our country and gained enormous popularity here. And now the book is included in, and the popularity of Theodore Dreiser himself in our country far exceeds the interest in his books in the writer’s homeland. Therefore, we will probably see the first novel of the “Trilogy of Desires” more than once on the pages of our website.
Trilogy of Desires:
Trilogy of Desire - 1
1
Philadelphia, where Frank Algernon Cowperwood was born, then had more than two hundred and fifty thousand inhabitants. This city abounded in beautiful parks, majestic buildings and ancient monuments. Much of what we know and what Frank later learned did not yet exist - the telegraph, the telephone, home delivery of goods, the city postal network and ocean steamships. There were not even postage stamps or registered letters. The horse-drawn horse has not yet appeared. Countless omnibuses operated within the city, and long-distance travel was facilitated by a slowly developing network of railways, still closely connected to shipping canals.
Frank was born into the family of a small bank employee, but ten years later, when the boy began to peer inquisitively and vigilantly into the world, the chairman of the bank's board died; all the employees were accordingly promoted in rank, and Mr. Henry Worthington Cowperwood “inherited” the position of assistant cashier with a brilliant, by his then standards, annual salary of three and a half thousand dollars. He immediately joyfully informed his wife of his decision to move from 21 Bathnwood Street to 124 New Market Street: the area was not so remote, and the house - a three-story brick mansion - could not be compared with the current home of the Cowperwoods. . They had every reason to believe that eventually they would move to even larger premises, but for now this was not bad. Mr. Cowperwood thanked fate from the bottom of his heart.
Henry Worthington Cowperwood believed only in what he saw with his own eyes, and was quite satisfied with his position - this opened up the opportunity for him to become a banker in the future. At that time he was a respectable man - tall, thin, fit, with a thoughtful look and well-groomed, short-cropped sideburns that reached almost to his earlobes. Upper lip, strangely far removed from the long and straight nose, was always clean-shaven, as was her pointed chin. Thick black eyebrows set off greenish-gray eyes, and short, slicked hair was separated by a neat parting. He invariably wore a frock coat - in financial circles of that time this was considered “good form” - and a top hat. He kept his nails immaculately clean. He gave a somewhat stern impression, but his severity was feigned.
In an effort to advance himself in the social and financial world, Mr. Cowperwood always carefully considered who he spoke to and about. He is in equally he was careful not to express harsh or unpopular opinions on social or political issues in his circle, or to communicate with people who had a bad reputation. However, it should be noted that he did not have certain political beliefs. He was neither a supporter nor an opponent of slavery, although the atmosphere at that time was filled with the struggle between abolitionists and supporters of slavery. Cowperwood firmly believed that great wealth could be made on the railways, if only there was sufficient capital, and one more strange thing - personal charm, that is, the ability to inspire confidence in oneself. In his opinion, Andrew Jackson was completely wrong to oppose Nicholas Beadle and the Bank of the United States - this problem worried all minds then. He was extremely concerned about the flow of “inflated money” that was in circulation and every now and then found its way into his bank, which, of course, still took it into account and put it back into circulation with its own benefit, issuing it to clients thirsty for a loan. Third Philadelphian National Bank, in which he served, was located in the business district, at that time considered the center of everything American financial world; The owners of the bank were also involved in gambling on the stock exchange. “State banks,” large and small, arose at every turn; they disinterestedly issued their bank notes on the basis of unreliable and unknown assets and with incredible speed went down the drain or even suspended payments.
"The Financier" by Theodore Dreiser, reviews of which are given in this article, is one of the most famous novels this American writer. It is part of the famous “Trilogy of Desire” and was first published in 1912. Its continuation was the works "Titan" and "Stoic". The story is based on the real life of American millionaire Charles Yerkes.
The meaning of the novel
The main character of the novel “The Financier” by Theodore Dreiser, reviews of which allow us to form an idea of this book, is Frank Cowperwood. The author demonstrates how Frank grows up in a financial and economic environment from the first years of his life. As a result, it is she who shapes the psychology of a businessman in him.
Already in adolescence he becomes a businessman who understands that absolutely all means are good to achieve his goal. This is the only way to achieve wealth and power.
Cowperwood begins with small stock market speculation. Over time, he acquires enough wealth to bribe municipal officials and carry out larger and more profitable transactions. However, the ending of his career turns out to be disappointing. The book "The Financier" by Theodore Dreiser talks about how main character first goes to prison, and then is forced to leave his native Philadelphia altogether.
"Trilogy of Desire"
"The Financier" becomes the first book of Dreiser's "Trilogy of Desire". In his second novel, Titan, he tells the story of Cowperwood's life in Chicago. There his fate, in fact, repeats itself, but in a more expanded format. The life of the main character develops in a spiral.
The novel "The Stoic" describes last years hero's life. became fundamental for American and European literature at the beginning of the 20th century. Dreiser vividly depicts the morals and way of life that reign in modern financial environment. The way business is treated in society, as well as the connections between businessmen and politicians.
In his novels, Dreiser exposes the predatory nature of Cowperwood and financiers like him. But at the same time, the author cannot help but admire the financial giant that he has created.
One of the main functions of Theodore Dreiser's trilogy "The Financier", "Titan", "Stoic" is to demonstrate the lack of ethics and moral principles in a cruel capitalist world.
At the beginning of this work, the childhood of the main character is described. Even at school, the world of finance attracts and big money. He made his first real commercial adventure at the age of 14. The initial capital is earned from the resale of soap.
In high school, Frank is actively interested in attractive girls. But he was not destined to finish his studies. At the age of 17, he left school to start working.
"The Financier" by Theodore Dreiser, a summary of which is given in this article, gives a detailed idea of his appearance. He leaves school as a tall, broad-shouldered young man of pleasant appearance. He has beautiful and curly brown hair, and a living thought is always visible in his eyes. The gaze remains impenetrable.
His father's name is Henry. He works in a bank, and their house is always full of guests. At one time, a married couple, Sample, frequented them. Frank is simply fascinated by 24-year-old Lillian. Moreover, at first he himself cannot understand what attracted him so much to her. After all, in terms of intelligence and abilities, the girl was clearly not his equal. But Cowperwood was captivated by her appearance. Lilian has thick, lush hair that has an ashen tint, and gray eyes, depending on the lighting, constantly turn from dark to light blue.
Romance with Lillian
Theodore Dreiser's "The Financier" (from The Trilogy of Desires) describes in detail life path Cowperwood.
Great changes occur in his life when it soon becomes clear that Lillian’s husband has died suddenly and unexpectedly. Frank is five years younger than his lover. But this age difference does not bother him at all, he actively begins to care for the object of his affections, charms more experienced woman, as a result, she agrees to marry him. Frank's dream comes true.
They live together for four years. During this time, they have a son, also named Frank, and a daughter named Lillian.
Cowperwood begins to break through to the top of the financial world from the very bottom. He works in small companies and firms, trying to put together a decent initial capital. Over time, he opens his own accounting and bill business.
Frank, in Theodore Dreiser's book The Financier, bets on the development of horse-drawn railways in the near future. He begins to actively invest in this industry, invest a lot of money, and buy shares. At this time, Cowperwood realizes that all officials in Philadelphia, without exception, are dishonest and engaged in profiteering. It turns out that it is simply impossible to honestly make your way in this life.
American Civil War
Part of the events of Theodore Dreiser's novel "The Financier" takes place in the USA against the background Civil War, in which the North is opposed to the South. The main character enlists the support of Edward Butler, an Irishman. He takes from him big loan and declares itself as a major financier, capable of competing with strongmen of the world this.
At that time, Butler was a prominent political figure in the United States and had significant connections in high society. At the same time, Butler himself strongly sympathizes with the aspiring financier, who is somewhat reminiscent of himself in his youth, when he was just at the beginning of his journey.
The novel describes in detail the relationship of the main character with new acquaintances. In “The Financier” by Theodore Dreiser, the content of which allows you to get a full impression of the author’s work, Frank begins to pay attention to Butler’s daughter, whose name is Eileen. She is only 18 years old, she has blue eyes and beautiful red hair.
Butler, along with his entire large family, and he has another daughter and two sons, begins to often visit the Cowperwoods. Each time, Eileen greatly irritates Lillian, who, most likely, still unconsciously, sees her as her rival. Also dissatisfied with the girl is Frank's sister Anna, who does not like Eileen's constant whims and perky disposition.
Frank himself has a completely different point of view. He considers the girl cheerful, lively and attractive. Eileen reciprocates his feelings. She constantly plays the piano and sings when Frank returns home from work in the evening.
Key deal
About halfway through the novel main character makes a key deal that becomes the climax of Theodore Dreiser's novel The Financier. In reviews, readers note that these are perhaps the most intense pages of the work.
Cowperwood begins to collaborate with George Stener. This is the city treasurer, whom everyone considers to be a plaything in the hands of experienced Republican politicians - primarily big money tycoons such as Butler, but also Senators Simpson and Mollenhauer. For them, Stiner is a convenient person with the help of whom they manage to circulate money through the city budget. Cowperwood is also involved in the work. All participants in this shady deal receive good dividends.
At the same time, Frank takes the initiative to start buying shares of horse-drawn railway companies through dummies behind the backs of the three main bigwigs of the state. Stiner helps him with this.
At the same time, Frank and his father are engaged in the business of building mansions that are interconnected. Also, the main character begins to collect works of art, he develops good taste.
Romance with Eileen
In the novel “The Financier” by Theodore Dreiser, reviews of which are mostly positive, there is also a romantic line. An affair begins between Frank and Eileen.
The girl had a strict Catholic upbringing, but at the same time she does not consider sincere love to be something criminal. Frank is completely unfamiliar with religious and moral prejudices. He goes through life under the motto “My desires come first.”
A heavy blow awaits him in 1871, when the Chicago fire almost completely destroys his well-being. The fire rages in the trading part of the city, panic arises at the stock exchange.
At this time, Cowperwood put into circulation half a million dollars from the city treasury. Stener is out of town, so he fears this will become public knowledge. Butler tries to help him get out of this situation and brings him together with two influential people, each of whom sees their own benefit in what is happening. Both of them sympathize with Frank, but do not consider it necessary to help.
The relationship between Butler and Frank instantly deteriorates. The first receives an anonymous letter that his daughter is dating Cowperwood. The Irishman is angry, especially since Eileen’s reaction confirms that all this is true. Butler even decides to drown Frank.
Conspiracy against Cowperwood
Clouds are beginning to gather over Cowperwood, as Theodore Dreiser describes his situation in The Financier. Summary The novel provides an opportunity to get an idea of what is happening.
Frank could be saved by another loan from Stiner, who returns to town. But the financial giants are trying to persuade the weak-willed municipal employee not to help Frank.
At this time, an anonymous letter with similar content comes from Lilian. However, it does not indicate the name of her husband’s mistress. She admits to herself that she was initially afraid of the age difference. Now these fears are justified. But due to the presence of children and a familiar, established way of life, she decides not to tell Frank anything and stay with him. Especially now that it is at the stage of bankruptcy.
In order to somehow save himself, Frank declares himself bankrupt, but despite this, he is accused of deliberate theft from the city treasury. At the same time, Butler tries to persuade his daughter to leave Frank, but to no avail. Then he goes to extreme measures, hiring a private detective who tracks down Eileen and Cowperwood in a visiting house.
Insulted, Eileen leaves home and moves in with a friend. Only Frank convinces her to return home. The father understands that he is unable to influence his daughter and hopes only for a guilty verdict for Cowperwood.
Financier's protection
Theodore Dreiser showed all the ins and outs of the life of American bankers and businessmen in his trilogy. “The Financier,” “Titan,” and “Stoic” are three novels that clearly demonstrate what people are willing to do for the sake of money and fame.
Cowperwood, to save himself, hires an experienced lawyer named Harper Steger. But both the prosecutor and the judge are Butler’s people, so there is little chance that he will convince them.
The only hope is the jury. But she doesn’t make excuses either. The jury returns a guilty verdict. Steger files an appeal, but this too is rejected. Frank is sentenced to real time. He will have to spend 4 years and 3 months in prison.
Theodore Dreiser in "The Financier" and "Titan" never tires of demonstrating the masculinity and fortitude of his protagonist. He takes this blow, although for his family it is great tragedy. Only young Eileen remains determined to fight for Frank's fate.
In prison, Cowperwood witnesses the stark contrast between his former life and the environment in which he finds himself. The cell is dark and infested with rats. He has to weave chairs to somehow brighten up everyday life in prison.
Life in prison
But our hero does not disappear in prison either. Theodore Dreiser literally admires him in The Financier. In reviews of the book, many readers noted that in this part of the novel they were imbued with sincere compassion for the fate of Cowperwood.
He manages to establish a close relationship with Desmas. For money, Frank negotiates to be allowed to receive things and goodies from the house. He is more likely than other prisoners to write letters and communicate with visitors. At the first opportunity, Eileen comes to her beloved.
Frank loses his temper on this date, probably for the first time in his life. He cries on his beloved's shoulder. Eileen helps him pull himself together.
The character in the work manages to be released earlier. In just 13 months. This has a lot to do with Butler's death. Until the very end, Eileen treated her father coldly. And when her brothers found out what they were wearing the real reason this, they begin to openly despise their sister.
While Cowperwood was in prison, his case continued to live. It was led by an honest fellow named Wingate. Frank himself constantly advised him, so the company remained afloat. When he was released, he was able to continue working, now as a broker.
An important moment in the work comes when it becomes known that a large credit institution, which has invested huge amounts of money in the construction of railways in undeveloped territories, is declared bankrupt. There is panic at the stock exchange, only Frank remains calm. His finest hour is coming.
In a few days he earns a huge fortune and becomes a millionaire. Now you can leave Philadelphia. Moreover, he no longer has the same reputation in these places due to his arrest and prison.
Frank divorces Lillian and leaves with Eileen Butler to build new life in Chicago.