# XXXVI explained — Arrowsmith

> Chapter companion for Arrowsmith by Sinclair Lewis.

## What happens

Martin Arrowsmith returns to New York as a celebrated hero after the St. Hubert plague, but finds himself increasingly uncomfortable with the social and professional expectations thrust upon him. He marries Joyce Lanyon, yet struggles with the constraints of high society and the loss of his scientific purpose, ultimately deciding to abandon the McGurk Institute for a simpler, more authentic life in the wilderness with Terry Wickett.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Cost of Ambition

Martin's rise to fame and marriage to Joyce Lanyon come at the cost of his scientific integrity and personal freedom, leading him to abandon it all.

### Individual vs. Society

Martin's choice to leave the McGurk Institute and high society for the wilderness underscores the conflict between personal fulfillment and societal expectations.

## Character check-ins

### Martin Arrowsmith

Returns to New York as a hero, marries Joyce Lanyon, and ultimately abandons the institute for the wilderness.

### Joyce Lanyon

Marries Martin Arrowsmith and represents the high society life that Martin finds suffocating.

### Terry Wickett

Joins Martin in his decision to leave the institute and pursue a simpler life of research in the wilderness.

### Rippleton Holabird

Director of the McGurk Institute, represents the institutional and social pressures Martin seeks to escape.

### Gustaf Sondelius

Mentioned in memory as a fallen comrade from the St. Hubert plague.

## Key lines

> He was a hero, but he was not happy.

Despite being celebrated, Martin felt unfulfilled.

_Highlights the theme of the cost of ambition._

> He wanted to get away from all this—from the whole thing.

Martin desired to escape his current life entirely.

_Reflects Martin's growing disillusionment with society._

## Links

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