# Bitter Disappointment explained — Barriers Burned Away

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

## What happens

Dennis returns to work at Ludolph's store with renewed hope, believing Christine's interest in him is genuine. He confides in his mother, who prays for Christine's spiritual awakening. Christine, however, is using Dennis as a model for a painting depicting a declaration of love, intending to capture authentic emotion for her art. As she manipulates him to achieve the perfect expression, Dennis confronts her, accusing her of coldly dissecting his heart. He leaves her devastated, disfigured her painting, and warns her that only the noble can achieve true art.

## Themes in this chapter

### Art and Ambition

Christine's artistic ambition drives her to manipulate Dennis's emotions to perfect her painting, prioritizing success over genuine connection.

### Love and Sacrifice

Dennis's sincere love is exploited, leading to a painful confrontation that reveals the cost of sacrificing authenticity for art.

### Redemption and Transformation

Christine's heart begins to thaw, hinting at a potential transformation, while Dennis's harsh words challenge her to change.

## Character check-ins

### Dennis Fleet

Returns to work with hope, confides in his mother, and ultimately confronts Christine about her manipulation, leaving her in despair.

### Christine Ludolph

Uses Dennis as a model for her painting, struggling with her own awakening feelings while pursuing artistic ambition.

### Mr. Ludolph

Rarely sees Dennis and Christine together; his daughter's indifference in his presence prevents suspicion.

### Ethel Fleet

Dennis's mother, who sympathizes with his love and prays for Christine's spiritual transformation.

## Key lines

> Dennis went back to the store in a maze of hopes and fears, but hope predominated.

Dennis returned to work feeling both hopeful and anxious, but optimism won out.

_Sets the emotional tone for the chapter._

> She chose a most difficult and delicate subject—of the character she had ever failed in—a declaration of love.

She selected a challenging theme she had never mastered: a love confession.

_Reveals Christine's artistic challenge and her use of Dennis._

> Dennis Fleet was the human victim that she was offering on the altar of her ambition.

Dennis was the sacrifice Christine made for her artistic goals.

_Highlights the theme of art and ambition at the expense of love._

> Only the noble in deed and in truth can reach high and noble art.

True art can only be achieved by those who are noble in action and honesty.

_Dennis's final rebuke to Christine, emphasizing moral integrity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xxxii-bitter-disappointment
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barriers_burned_away_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters