# XI: Too Much Alike explained — Barriers Burned Away

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

## What happens

Dennis Fleet is deeply moved by a new painting of a scornful young woman, which arrives at Ludolph's store. He is later startled when Christine Ludolph appears in person, wearing the same dress and expression as the painted figure. Mr. Ludolph and Mr. Schwartz note the strong resemblance between Christine and the painting, while Christine herself is inwardly pleased but outwardly dismissive. Dennis feels embarrassed by his appearance and his intense reaction.

## Themes in this chapter

### Art and Ambition

Dennis's deep emotional response to the painting and his desire to see a different expression on the painted face reveal his artistic sensibility and ambition.

### Social Class and Barriers

Dennis's embarrassment at his lowly appearance and Christine's condescending remarks underscore the class divide between them.

## Character check-ins

### Dennis Fleet

Deeply affected by the painting; feels embarrassed when Christine appears and he is caught staring.

### Christine Ludolph

Visits the store and is compared to the painting; initially vexed but secretly pleased by the resemblance.

### Mr. Ludolph

Observes the resemblance between Christine and the painting; teases Dennis about his reaction.

### Mr. Schwartz

Called in to give a matter-of-fact comparison between Christine and the painted figure; makes an awkward compliment.

## Key lines

> Oh, that I could give to that face the expression God meant it to have!

Dennis wishes he could change the scornful expression on the painted girl's face to something more kind and natural.

_Reveals Dennis's idealistic and sensitive nature, as well as his desire to improve or redeem beauty._

> He evidently thought for a moment, as he said, that the girl in the painting had stepped out upon the floor, and that you were she.

Mr. Ludolph explains that Dennis was so startled by Christine's resemblance to the painting that he momentarily believed she had stepped out of it.

_Highlights the uncanny likeness between Christine and the painted figure, a central motif of the chapter._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xi-too-much-alike
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barriers_burned_away_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters