# VI: “Starve Then!” explained — Barriers Burned Away

> Chapter companion for Barriers Burned Away by Edward Payson Roe.

## What happens

Dennis Fleet, desperate for work after his father's death, searches Chicago for employment but faces rejection due to his lack of practical skills. After a near-temptation to work in a barroom, he refuses the job on moral grounds and is told to 'starve then.' He finds cheap lodging in a German boardinghouse and struggles with despair and doubt, questioning God's providence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Faith and Doubt

Dennis questions God's justice and providence, recalling his father's belief that God was against him, and struggles with despair.

### Suffering and Providence

Dennis's suffering and near-starvation lead him to doubt divine care, as he feels crushed by fate and the world's indifference.

### Materialism vs. Spirituality

Dennis's refusal to work in a bar for moral reasons highlights the conflict between material survival and spiritual integrity.

## Character check-ins

### Dennis Fleet

Desperately searches for work, refuses a barroom job on principle, and sinks into despair and doubt.

### Mr. Swig

The bulky bartender who is offered Dennis as an assistant.

## Key lines

> I will starve before I will do this work.

Dennis declares he would rather go hungry than work in a bar.

_Shows Dennis's moral conviction and the theme of materialism vs. spirituality._

> Starve then!

The landlord dismisses Dennis's refusal with a cold command to starve.

_Highlights the harsh indifference of the world and Dennis's deepening despair._

> Perhaps father was right. God was against him, and is also against me, his son.

Dennis begins to believe that God is punishing him as He did his father.

_Reflects the theme of faith and doubt and the struggle with providence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/vi-starve-then
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barriers_burned_away_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters