# Chapter XX explained — Alice Adams > Chapter companion for Alice Adams by Booth Tarkington. ## What happens Alice Adams anxiously anticipates an evening with Arthur Russell, who has his own premonitions about their relationship. At a luncheon with his relatives, the Palmers, Russell becomes uneasy when Mr. Palmer mentions Virgil Adams, revealing that J.A. Lamb's trust in him was misplaced. Mildred Palmer, suspecting Russell's interest in Alice, discusses with her mother the gossip about Alice's past and her current involvement with Russell. ## Themes in this chapter ### Appearance vs. Reality Arthur Russell's romanticized image of Alice is contrasted with the underlying truths about her family and social standing, symbolized by the 'closed door'. ### Social Class and Mobility The Palmers' discussion of Alice's past and her family's financial troubles underscores the barriers to social mobility and the importance of class in relationships. ### Illusion and Self-Deception Alice's attempts to control Arthur's perception of her through warnings and explanations reveal her self-deception about the sustainability of their relationship. ## Character check-ins ### Alice Adams Anxiously looks forward to the evening with Arthur Russell, though she is apprehensive. ### Arthur Russell Has premonitions about his relationship with Alice; becomes nervous when Virgil Adams is mentioned at the Palmers' luncheon. ### Mildred Palmer Discusses with her mother her suspicions that Arthur Russell is interested in Alice Adams, based on gossip. ### Mrs. Palmer Calmly listens to Mildred's concerns about Arthur and Alice, and discusses the gossip about Alice's past. ### Virgil Adams Mentioned as the man J.A. Lamb trusted for years, now revealed to have been dishonest. ### Mr. Lamb Referred to as the old gentleman who trusted Virgil Adams and is now being teased by his sons. ### J. A. Lamb Mentioned as the great J.A. Lamb, whose trust in Virgil Adams is now questioned. ## Key lines > She was indeed “looking forward” to that evening, but in a cloud of apprehension; and, although she could never have guessed it, this was the simultaneous condition of another person⁠—none other than the guest for whose pleasure so much cooking and scrubbing seemed to be necessary. Alice eagerly anticipated the evening but felt anxious, unaware that Arthur Russell, the guest of honor, shared the same nervousness. _Highlights the parallel anxieties of Alice and Arthur before their meeting._ > A glamour was about her thus, and a spell upon him; but he had a formless anxiety never put into words: all the pictures of her in his mind stopped at the closed door. Arthur was enchanted by Alice, yet he felt a vague unease because his mental image of her never extended beyond the closed door of her home. _Symbolizes Arthur's subconscious awareness of the hidden truths about Alice's family._ > Mama, it was Alice Adams! Mildred insists to her mother that Alice Adams is the reason Arthur Russell has lost interest in her. _Reveals Mildred's realization and jealousy regarding Arthur's affection for Alice._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/alice_adams_se/chapters/xx - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/alice_adams_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/alice_adams_se/chapters