# XX: Is He a Gentleman? explained — Barriers Burned Away > Chapter companion for Barriers Burned Away by Edward Payson Roe. ## What happens Dennis Fleet is invited to assist with preparations for a private artistic entertainment at the Winthrop mansion, where he expects to be treated as a gentleman. However, upon arrival, he is snubbed by the young ladies, who refuse to introduce him and treat him as a servant. After overhearing a debate about his social standing—in which Christine Ludolph defends him as a refined, educated man but ultimately upholds European class distinctions—Dennis resolves to endure the humiliation for his family's sake and vows to rise to a position where he will be recognized as a gentleman. The chapter also explores Dennis's growing, unconscious love for Christine and her condescending yet increasingly respectful view of him. ## Themes in this chapter ### Social Class and Barriers The central conflict of the chapter: Dennis is denied the status of a gentleman despite his refinement and education, illustrating the rigid social barriers in Chicago society. ### Love and Sacrifice Dennis's growing love for Christine is intertwined with his willingness to endure humiliation for his family's sake, foreshadowing deeper sacrifices. ### Art and Ambition The entertainment is centered on art and music, and Dennis's ambition to rise in society is fueled by his artistic taste and appreciation. ## Character check-ins ### Dennis Fleet Arrives at the Winthrop mansion expecting to be treated as a gentleman, but is humiliated when the ladies refuse to introduce him. He resolves to endure for his family and vows to rise in society. ### Christine Ludolph Defends Dennis as a refined, educated man and a gentleman by American principles, yet maintains European class distinctions. She treats him kindly but condescendingly, like a trusted servant. ### Miss Winthrop Hosts the entertainment and argues theoretically in favor of Dennis being a gentleman, but is hesitant to act on her principles. She is a bright, sunny-faced blonde from an old Boston family. ### Miss Brown A tall, haughty brunette who scoffs at the idea of Dennis being a gentleman, dismissing him as a store-sweeper. Her father is a brewer. ### Mr. Ludolph Mentioned as having informed Christine that Dennis's motive for sweeping the store is to support his mother and sisters. ## Key lines > up his mind to the logical consequences. But now that he was invited to a private house, and would appear there possessing all the qualities of a gentleman, he surely would be treated as one. Dennis had accepted the invitation expecting to be treated as a gentleman because he possessed gentlemanly qualities. _Dennis's hopeful expectation sets up the social conflict of the chapter._ > Dennis crimsoned painfully. At first he was too confused to think, and merely obeyed mechanically. Then came the impulse to say boldly that this kind of thing might answer at the store, but not here, and he nearly carried it out; but soon followed the sober second thought, that such action would bring a blight over all his prospects, and involve the loss of his position at the store. Dennis blushed with shame and initially felt like protesting the snub, but realized that doing so would ruin his job and future. _Dennis's internal struggle between pride and pragmatism highlights his sacrifice for his family._ > But you Americans are sometimes wonderfully inconsistent, and there is often a marvellously wide margin between your boasted equality and the reality. Christine criticizes Americans for claiming equality while practicing class discrimination. _Christine's remark underscores the theme of social class and barriers._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xx-is-he-a-gentleman - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barriers_burned_away_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters