Politics

Politics is an important theme in the novel “Advise and Consent” by Allen Drury. Politics –essentially the art of running or governing a country –takes on many forms in the novel. Politics is seen in both a positive and negative light. It is an honorable and straightforward system. However, it can be an underhanded and dishonorable practice. Political philosophy is also briefly treated at various points throughout the novel.

Politics in general is seen as a positive thing by Drury. His novel is dedicated to the U.S. Senate. Most of the Senators in the novel are committed to doing a good job, considering themselves to be the voice of calm reason and methodical work. Munson, Knox, Anderson, and others frequently assert the importance of the offices with which they have been elected to hold. They take their work very seriously. They wish to do a...