Alice Adams · Chapter
Chapter XVIII explained
Virgil Adams is tormented by guilt and anxiety over having taken a glue process from his former employer, J.
What happens
Virgil Adams is tormented by guilt and anxiety over having taken a glue process from his former employer, J. A. Lamb. He obsessively wonders what Lamb thinks of him and why he hasn't been confronted or retaliated against. Mrs. Adams tries to reassure him, but Virgil remains haunted, even imagining he can smell the glue-works on himself. Meanwhile, the glue-works are operational, and a nearby abandoned factory is being renovated, possibly inspired by Adams's venture.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Shame
Virgil's internal conflict over his appropriation of Lamb's glue process reveals a deep sense of shame, though he rationalizes his actions; his obsession with Lamb's opinion underscores his wounded pride.
Ambition and Disappointment
Virgil's ambition to succeed with the glue-works is shadowed by disappointment in himself and his son Walter, as well as the haunting fear of moral failure.
Characters to notice
- Virgil Adams
Consumed by guilt and curiosity about J. A. Lamb's opinion; works obsessively on the glue-works and fears meeting Lamb.
- Mrs. Adams
Tries to comfort Virgil and downplay his fears, but shows underlying unease about the situation.
- Walter Adams
Mentioned as still working for Lamb; Virgil resents Walter's refusal to join the glue business and his demand for a $350 bonus.
- Alice Adams
Briefly appears on the veranda, dressed prettily and in a reverie; reassures her father that she cannot smell the glue-works.
- J. A. Lamb
The former employer whose glue process Virgil took; seen by Virgil in his car but does not notice him.
Key passages
“I guess I’m the biggest dang fool alive”
Virgil calls himself a fool for worrying about what Lamb thinks.
Virgil expresses self-deprecation over his obsessive guilt.
“It’s funny I don’t hear how he feels about it from some body.”
Virgil finds it strange that no one has told him Lamb's reaction.
Highlights Virgil's anxiety and expectation of backlash.
“I can’t make it out at all”
Virgil is puzzled by Lamb's silence.
Virgil's confusion about Lamb's inaction deepens his unease.
“I would give a good deal to know what he thinks!”
Virgil desperately wants to know Lamb's opinion.
Reveals the central obsession driving Virgil's thoughts.
“He was still subject to little shivering seizures of horror.”
Virgil experienced tremors of fear after seeing Lamb.
Physical manifestation of Virgil's guilt and dread.