# Chapter XVIII explained — Alice Adams

> Chapter companion for Alice Adams by Booth Tarkington.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/alice_adams_se/chapters/xviii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/alice_adams_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/alice_adams_se/chapters