The Manchurian Candidate Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 6 Summary

Chapter 6 Summary

Back in the present, Raymond has taken a job as an assistant and janitor to Daily Press political columnist Holden Craine. Raymond likes his boss because neither enjoys the art of conversation, so neither makes unwanted social demands on the other. However, O'Neil, the paper's promotion manager, insists on throwing a welcome dinner for the Medal of Honor veteran. Raymond punches him in the face, and O'Neil soundly beats him. Shaw attends the dinner, but has nevertheless sent a warning against future social endeavors.

Chapter 6 Analysis

Raymond has a new job and likes his boss. The political influence of Craine's column should foreshadow a certain fortune for Raymond, and may suggest that he did not seek the job of his own free will. The fight scene is curious in that it establishes Raymond as a man perfectly open to negotiation, but one who is much more likely to lash out by instinct.