"Plunkett of Tammany Hall"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Riordon describes George Washington Plunkett as a self-serving Tammany politician, distinguishing between honest graft, which is illegal political corruption for personal profit, and dishonest graft. The author points out that Plunkett's behavior seems to reflect a certain "self-made man" ethos, which is commensurate with American capitalism and ingenuity, two values that made the nation great. The paper relates that Plunkett, who did not make the system nor did he attempt to alleviate its corruption, used it to the maximum for his own comfort; but, by doing so, he also gave voice to the interests of common working people.

From the Paper:

"Instead, Plunkett's main drug of choice was politics for himself, and for others. He was also an astute, self-trained student of human nature and the needs of his constituents, potential and present. "To learn real human nature you have to go among the people, see them and be seen. I know every man, woman, and child in the Fifteenth District, except them that's been born this summer and I know some of them, too." (In other words, Plunkett was an unabashed baby-kisser)."

More papers on "Plunkett of Tammany Hall":

• Analytical Essay # 61993 : "The Tennant of Wildfell Hall"
• Analytical Essay # 66887 : "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall"
• Book Review # 97400 : "Morning Glories"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: