Great Akinetoses!

[curiousneil]

What on earth does Phineas mean in Chapter 9, "The New Government," when he says, referring to Mr Kennedy, "Great Akinetoses! You know Orion.”

Akinetos means 'immutable'. Obviously Phineas means Mr Kennedy is stolid and stony. But why "Great"? Why "Orion"? What's the reference?

[Truthlover]

I have not read Phineas Finn. Perhaps Orion is a reference to the Great Hunter in Greek Mythology. What is the context in the novel? Was Mr. Kennedy a hunter, or was he in contact with a hunter?

[Truthlover]

I finished reading this novel. The hard part of it was following the political maneuvers of British parliament. I never was interested in politics. Those who are probably find these maneuvers entertaining. But the underlying story is worth the effort. We learn how Phineas, who has everything going for him, especially charism and good looks, has to accept with humility many disappointments. Such humility eventually brings its rewards. It reminds me of Plato's depiction of the just man in The Republic. If he suffers from the injustice of others, he is happier than they are, specifically because virtue is its own reward.