Barriers Burned Away · Chapter
Miss Ludolph Makes a Discovery explained
Dennis oversleeps after a disturbing night, but is awakened by Christine's beautiful singing.
What happens
Dennis oversleeps after a disturbing night, but is awakened by Christine's beautiful singing. He finds her sketching and they have a tense conversation about his late night and her resemblance to a painted figure. Dennis brings Ernst into the store, and Mr. Ludolph approves. Dennis receives his mother's letter, strengthening his faith. He also advises Mr. Bruder on art, suggesting practical subjects over ambitious ones.
Themes in this chapter
Art and Ambition
Christine sketches and sings, Dennis advises Mr. Bruder on practical art, and Mr. Bruder begins a new sketch.
Faith and Doubt
Dennis's faith is strengthened by his mother's letter and her prediction, and he reflects on Christine's potential with true faith.
Social Class and Barriers
Christine speaks to Dennis as a 'humble dependant' and draws him out for amusement, highlighting class distinctions.
Characters to notice
- Dennis Fleet
Oversleeps after a troubled night, is awoken by Christine's singing, defends his late night, brings Ernst into the store, receives his mother's letter, and advises Mr. Bruder on art.
- Christine Ludolph
Sings and plays piano, sketches a painting, questions Dennis about his late night and his impression of her resemblance to a painted girl, shows interest in Ernst's pale face.
- Mr. Ludolph
Observes Dennis's energetic work, envies his zest for life, approves of Ernst, and is seen writing in his office early.
- Ernst
Arrives at the store cowering in the cold, is welcomed by Dennis, and begins his duties under kindly instruction.
- Mr. Bruder
Receives advice from Dennis to start with simple art subjects for commercial success, and begins sketching a man dashing a wineglass.
Key passages
“It must be Miss Ludolph," thought Dennis. "And can she sing like that? What an angel true faith would make of her!”
Dennis realizes the singer is Miss Ludolph and thinks her singing is angelic, imagining how faith could transform her.
Dennis's admiration and spiritual reflection on Christine.
“He sighed and said: "After all, that young fellow is to be envied. He is getting more out of existence than most of us.”
Mr. Ludolph envies Dennis's energy and enjoyment of life, feeling that youth and delusion are preferable to his own wisdom.
Mr. Ludolph's perspective on Dennis's vitality.
“He smiled and said to himself, "Mother lives so near the heavenly land that she seems to get the news thence before anyone else."”
Dennis thinks his mother's spiritual closeness to heaven allows her to foresee events before they happen.
Dennis's faith in his mother's intuition.