Chapter XII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Ambition and Disappointment

  Alice's hopes for a romantic adventure with Arthur Russell collapse, symbolized by the wilting carnations. She experiences a dull sense of loss, akin to a child finding tinfoil instead of a dime.

• Social Class and Mobility

  Virgil Adams finds validation in J.A. Lamb's visit, feeling less like a 'nobody' despite his wife's social anxieties. The contrast between the Adams family and the 'ineligible' neighbors underscores class divisions.

• Family Dynamics and Sacrifice

  Alice dresses up and decorates the house ostensibly for her father's return, but Walter's teasing reveals underlying tensions about her romantic hopes. Mrs. Adams's disappointment and Virgil's pride create a complex family atmosphere.

Characters to notice

• Alice Adams

  Alice discards the wilted carnations and her hopes for Arthur Russell, feeling dull and resigned. She later sits on the veranda, listening to other girls' laughter, and reflects on her lost expectations.

• Virgil Adams

  Virgil is uplifted by J.A. Lamb's visit, showing renewed spirit and health. He speaks at length about Lamb's integrity and the moral values of their business relationship, feeling valued and respected.

• Walter Adams

  Walter teases Alice about her dress and flowers, singing a vulgar song and implying she has a new beau. His jocularity is met with mild reproach from his mother.

• Mrs. Adams

  Mrs. Adams is visibly depressed by the lack of visitors and the failure of Alice's plans. She dryly notes that J.A. Lamb did not mention a raise for Virgil.

• J. A. Lamb

  J.A. Lamb visits Virgil Adams, reassuring him that his job is secure and encouraging him to take his time recovering. He speaks warmly and leaves a positive impression on Alice.

Key passages

• “She had been like a boy who sees upon the street, some distance before him, a bit of something round and glittering, a possible dime. He hopes it is a dime, and, until he comes near enough to make sure, he plays that it is a dime. In his mind he has an adventure with it: he buys something delightful. If he picks it up, discovering only some tinfoil which has happened upon a round shape, he feels a sinking. A dullness falls upon him.”

  Alice compares her dashed hopes to a boy who mistakes a piece of tinfoil for a dime, feeling a similar letdown when her romantic expectations prove false.

  This metaphor captures Alice's emotional state after Arthur Russell fails to follow up on his interest.

• “I guess there aren't a whole lot of people in this town that could claim J. A. showed that much interest in 'em.”

  Virgil boasts that few others in town receive such personal attention from J.A. Lamb, feeling proud of his employer's regard.

  Virgil's pride in Lamb's visit reflects his need for validation and his sense of social standing.