# Chapter XXVII explained — Arrowsmith

> Chapter companion for Arrowsmith by Sinclair Lewis.

## What happens

Martin Arrowsmith, now a celebrated hero after his return from the plague on St. Hubert, struggles with the pressures of fame and the expectations of the McGurk Institute. He is torn between the desire for pure research and the demands of public adulation, while also navigating his new relationship with Joyce Lanyon.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Cost of Ambition

Martin's fame brings personal and professional conflicts, questioning the price of success.

### The Ideal of Pure Research

Martin's struggle between public adulation and his desire for pure, untainted scientific work is central.

## Character check-ins

### Martin Arrowsmith

Martin returns to New York as a hero but feels conflicted about the fame and his scientific ideals.

### Joyce Lanyon

Joyce is now married to Martin and is adjusting to his fame and their new life together.

### Rippleton Holabird

Holabird, as director of the McGurk Institute, pressures Martin to embrace his public role.

### Terry Wickett

Terry represents the pure research ideal and is skeptical of Martin's new lifestyle.

### Gustaf Sondelius

Sondelius is remembered in the context of the plague and his sacrifice.

## Key lines

> He was a hero, and he hated it.

Martin despised the fame that came with his return.

_Highlights Martin's discomfort with his public image._

> He wanted to be alone in his laboratory, not on a platform.

Martin preferred the solitude of research over public appearances.

_Emphasizes his dedication to science over celebrity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters/xxvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/arrowsmith_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/arrowsmith_se/chapters