# Suggestive Pictures and a Prize explained — Barriers Burned Away

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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