The Globe and Mail, 1938: Summary and Analysis
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Chapter 80 reproduces a newspaper article from The Globe and Mail dated October 7, 1938. The article reports on a speech delivered by Richard E. Griffen, President and Chairman of Griffen-Chase-Royal Consolidated Industries Ltd., at the Empire Club in Toronto. Entitled “Minding Our Own Business,” the speech offers vigorous praise for British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and the recently signed Munich Accord. Griffen argues that the Accord will bring an end to the Great Depression and usher in a “golden era” of peace and prosperity. He claims that all parties in the British House of Commons cheered the news and hopes for similar support across Canada. When questioned about the fate of Czechoslovakia under the Accord, Griffen replies that sufficient safeguards have been guaranteed. He asserts that a strong, healthy Germany is in the interests of the West, especially business, and serves to keep Bolshevism at bay. He calls for a bilateral trade treaty and redirecting attention from military concerns to consumer goods, which he believes will create jobs. The speech is roundly applauded, and the article notes that Griffen is rumoured to be in consultation with leading Conservative Party members and considering a move into political leadership.
Key Events
- Richard E. Griffen delivers a speech titled “Minding Our Own Business” at the Empire Club in Toronto.
- He praises Neville Chamberlain and the Munich Accord, claiming it will end the Depression and bring prosperity.
- He defends the treatment of Czechoslovakia, stating that its citizens have guaranteed safeguards.
- He advocates for a strong Germany as a counter to Bolshevism and beneficial to Western business.
- He calls for a bilateral trade treaty and a shift from military spending to consumer goods and job creation.
- The article reports that Griffen is rumoured to be considering a political career as a Conservative leader.
- The speech is met with applause.
Character Development
This chapter introduces or deepens the character of Richard E. Griffen, a powerful industrialist with political ambitions. He is portrayed as a confident, self-assured speaker who aligns himself with the political mainstream of the time. His worldview prioritizes economic stability and business interests over geopolitical ethics, as seen in his endorsement of the Munich Accord and his dismissive attitude toward Czechoslovakia’s situation. His rhetoric reflects a pragmatic, pro-capitalist stance that frames appeasement as a sound business decision. Griffen’s ambition is hinted at by the speculation about his political future, suggesting a figure willing to leverage his corporate influence for public office.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Appeasement and Economic Self-Interest: The chapter directly ties the political policy of appeasement to commercial gain. Griffen frames the Munich Accord not as a moral compromise but as a tool to end the Depression and open trade routes.
- “Minding Our Own Business” as Isolationism: The speech’s title captures a motif of insularity – advocating for Canada to focus on its own economic backyard rather than intervene in European crises.
- Biblical Allusion: Griffen invokes the “seven lean years, seven fat years” image from the story of Joseph in Genesis, using it as a metaphor for economic cycles and predicting prosperity.
- Historical Irony: Readers familiar with the subsequent outbreak of World War II will recognize the tragic irony in Griffen’s boundless optimism about lasting peace and the soundness of the Munich Accord.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter functions as a historical document within the larger narrative, grounding the story in the real political climate of 1938. It provides essential context for understanding the characters’ attitudes toward Europe on the eve of war and highlights how business leaders shaped public opinion. The portrayal of Richard Griffen as a pro-appeasement industrialist may set up conflicts with other characters or expose the moral compromises that underpin economic power. The chapter also reinforces themes of blind trust in authority and the dangers of prioritizing profit over principle.
Study Questions and Answers
1. What is Richard Griffen’s main argument in his speech?
Griffen argues that the Munich Accord will end the Great Depression and bring a new era of peace and prosperity. He believes a strong Germany is good for Western business and helps counter the spread of Bolshevism.
2. How does Griffen justify the treatment of Czechoslovakia under the Accord?
He claims that Czechoslovakia’s citizens have been guaranteed sufficient safeguards. He offers no further detail and dismisses concerns, implying that the economic benefits of the Accord outweigh any perceived injustice.
3. What does the article reveal about Griffen’s political ambitions?
The article states that Griffen is rumoured to be in consultation with leading members of the Conservative Party and “eyeing the position of helmsman,” indicating that he is considering a run for political leadership.