The First Gentleman

“Three years after the election, Cole still gets pumped from seeing traffic part like magic, even though he’s well aware that it’s for the convenience and safety of the woman sitting beside him—his wife, Madeline Parson Wright, the president of the United States.

He’s just the First Gentleman.”

This quote illustrates how Cole Wright feels about his position as “First Gentleman.” He gets a vicarious thrill from his wife’s power and responsibility, indicated in his feeling “pumped” about the motorcade. The modifier “just” in “just the First Gentleman” illustrates his recognition that his role is in support of his wife’s political rise—a role he takes on with enthusiasm, subverting traditional, conservative gender norms that position women in support positions to men both personally and professionally.

“‘They came to witness history.’

So did I.

The first time in history that a president’s spouse is going on trial for murder.”

The First Gentleman explores a completely unprecedented situation: the spouse of a federal official being tried for murder. This exchange between Brea and a Globe reporter underlines the unusual nature of the situation. It also emphasizes the stakes of the novel and highlights the driving question of the novel: Did Cole commit the crime of which he is accused?

“‘Marcia,’ he says, ‘our book will prove that Cole Wright, the First Gentleman of the United States, is a stone-cold murderer.’”

Garrett’s pitch to Marcia emphasizes that doesn’t begin his investigation with an open mind. He’s already convinced that Cole is responsible for the murder of Suzanne, highlighting the personal bias, perspectives, and experiences that each individual involved brings to their view of the case. Garrett’s certainty of Cole’s guilt makes it even more dramatic when, later in the novel, he changes his mind following an interview with the first gentleman.