Doctor Francis Eldgrin Gelhorne Character Analysis in Player Piano

Doctor Gelhorne is the “National Industrial, Commercial, Communications, Foodstuffs, and Resources Director” at the company that employs Paul. This is the highest position in the whole company, but Gelhorne didn’t secure his power in the same way as his coworkers, all of whom attained upward mobility by earning advanced degrees and becoming managers and engineers. In fact, Gelhorne didn’t even go to college—all of his degrees are honorary. The reason he’s been so successful is simply that he has a shrewd business sense and managed to work his way to the top of the company during the war, when the industry was volatile and it was still possible to use an entrepreneurial spirit to advance through the ranks. Nowadays, this would be impossible, since machines determine whether or not people are qualified for certain jobs. Paul reflects on this when he and Kroner secretly meet up with Gelhorne at the Meadows. At this meeting, Gelhorne—who was close friends with Paul’s father—tells Paul about the Ghost Shirt Society and instructs him to infiltrate the group.

Doctor Francis Eldgrin Gelhorne Character Timeline in Player Piano

The timeline below shows where the character Doctor Francis Eldgrin Gelhorne appears in Player Piano. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Happiness, Self-Worth, and Passion Theme Icon

Corporate Life vs. Human Connection Theme Icon

...him that the following night, they’ll sneak away together for a secret meeting with Doctor Gelhorne. Gelhorne is the “National Industrial, Commercial, Communications, Foodstuffs, and Resource Director,” which is the highest... (full context)

Class Division and Competition Theme Icon

...the bar—everyone, that is, except Kroner and Paul, who sneak off to meet with Doctor Gelhorne. Gelhorne says he called this meeting because there are people out there who want to... (full context)

Gelhorne reveals that he has already circulated rumors that Paul is getting fired—Gelhorne’s colleagues purposely said... (full context)

...be proud of him, and suddenly Paul feels a wash of anger. Before Kroner and Gelhorne leave, he stops them to say one last thing: “I quit.” They chuckle. “That’s the... (full context)