Barriers Burned Away · Chapter
Suggestive Pictures and a Prize explained
At the art exhibition, Dennis and Christine each submit paintings.
What happens
At the art exhibition, Dennis and Christine each submit paintings. Dennis's diptych contrasts a worldly, loveless marriage with a pure, selfless union, deeply moving Christine. Christine's painting depicts a woman in longing and despair. The committee awards the prize to Dennis's larger work, revealing him as the winner. Christine, indifferent to the prize, finds her reward in Dennis's reaction.
Themes in this chapter
Art and Ambition
Both Dennis and Christine express their deepest feelings and ambitions through their paintings, competing for artistic recognition.
Love and Sacrifice
Dennis's diptych contrasts a loveless marriage for wealth with a selfless union based on mutual support and love.
Social Class and Barriers
Mr. Ludolph's disapproval of Christine's interest in Dennis highlights class tensions and expectations.
Characters to notice
- Dennis Fleet
Submits his diptych painting, wins the prize, and remains outwardly calm despite inner agitation.
- Christine Ludolph
Deeply affected by Dennis's painting; her own painting expresses longing and despair; indifferent to the prize.
- Mr. Ludolph
Observes Christine's reaction with a heavy frown and rage, suspecting her painting and her feelings for Dennis.
- Miss Winthrop
Present as Mrs. Leonard, she accompanies Christine and notes her reaction to Dennis's painting.
- Professor Leonard
Greets Dennis at the exhibition and tours the gallery with him.
- Mr. Cornell
Chairman of the award committee, announces the prize decision and reveals Dennis as the winner.
Key passages
“The first presented a château of almost palatial proportions, heavy, ornate, but stiff and quite devoid of beauty. It appeared to be the abode of wealth and ancestral greatness.”
The first scene showed a grand but ugly mansion, symbolizing wealth and old nobility.
Describes the first panel of Dennis's diptych, representing a worldly marriage.
“The second picture was a beautiful contrast. Instead of the brazen glare of the first, the air was full of glimmering lights and shades, and the sky of a deep transparent blue.”
The second panel was a lovely opposite, with soft light and a clear blue sky.
Describes the second panel, representing a pure and loving union.
“Upon a barren rock of an island stood a woman gazing far out at sea, where in the distance a ship was sailing away.”
A woman stood on a desolate island rock, staring at a distant departing ship.
Describes Christine's painting, expressing longing and despair.