Barriers Burned Away · Chapter
XXIX: Dennis's Love Put to Practical Use explained
Dennis is despondent after criticizing Christine's art, fearing he has lost her regard.
What happens
Dennis is despondent after criticizing Christine's art, fearing he has lost her regard. He hears her sing with newfound feeling, deepening his love. Christine initially ignores him, but later they have a private conversation where Dennis encourages her artistic potential, sparking hope in her. Their exchange is interrupted, but Christine begins to realize Dennis's love and decides to use it to her advantage, treating him as a means to improve her art.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Dennis's love for Christine leads him to endure her indifference and manipulation, sacrificing his pride for her sake.
Art and Ambition
Christine's ambition to become a true artist drives her to use Dennis's love as a means to improve her painting.
Social Class and Barriers
The gulf between Dennis's humble position and Christine's wealth is a central obstacle, with Christine viewing Dennis as a tool rather than an equal.
Characters to notice
- Dennis Fleet
Despondent after criticizing Christine's art, he hears her sing and feels deeper love. He later encourages her artistic potential, but becomes a victim of her manipulation.
- Christine Ludolph
Initially angry and indifferent, she is moved by Dennis's encouragement and begins to see his love as a tool to advance her art.
- Mr. Ludolph
Observes Christine's mood but misinterprets it as a passing disappointment.
- Miss Winthrop
Interrupts Dennis and Christine's conversation, later comments on their interaction.
- Mr. Mellen
A wealthy suitor who interrupts Dennis and Christine, and is later used by Christine to provoke Dennis's jealousy.
- Mrs. Bruder
Half guesses the cause of Dennis's distress.
Key passages
“The day following his unlucky criticism of the pictures was one of great despondency to Dennis.”
The day after Dennis's unfortunate critique of the paintings, he felt deeply discouraged.
Dennis's emotional state after the criticism.
“She could be a true artist, perhaps a great one, for she can feel.”
She has the potential to be a genuine and possibly great artist because she is capable of emotion.
Dennis's realization of Christine's artistic potential after hearing her sing.
“I half believe he loves me now.”
I am starting to think that he might be in love with me.
Christine's growing awareness of Dennis's feelings.
“Thus in a somewhat novel way Christine obtained a new master in painting, and poor Dennis and his love were put to use somewhat as a human subject might be if dissected alive.”
In this unusual manner, Christine gained a new painting instructor, and Dennis's love was exploited as if he were a living specimen being dissected.
The narrator's commentary on Christine's manipulation of Dennis.