Barriers Burned Away · Chapter
Susie Winthrop Appears Again explained
The chapter covers the summer and fall of 1871, detailing Dennis Fleet's disciplined artistic preparation for the prize competition, the death of his friend Mr.
What happens
The chapter covers the summer and fall of 1871, detailing Dennis Fleet's disciplined artistic preparation for the prize competition, the death of his friend Mr. Bruder, and Christine Ludolph's secret efforts to paint a picture for Dennis after learning of his dismissal and his entry into the competition. It also features the reappearance of Susie Winthrop (now Mrs. Leonard), who reconnects with Dennis and draws out his story.
Themes in this chapter
Art and Ambition
Dennis's disciplined preparation for the prize and Christine's secret painting both illustrate the theme of artistic striving and personal expression.
Suffering and Providence
Mr. Bruder's death from typhoid, Dennis's losses, and the characters' struggles reflect suffering and the search for meaning.
Love and Sacrifice
Christine's secret painting for Dennis and Dennis's hidden love and disappointment highlight the theme of love intertwined with sacrifice.
Characters to notice
- Dennis Fleet
Works tirelessly on his prize painting, following a disciplined regimen of health and art; withdraws from society except for worship and mission work; meets Susie Winthrop and confides in her about his love and disappointment.
- Christine Ludolph
Returns to Chicago, secretly seeks Dennis, learns of his dismissal from her father, and begins painting a picture to send anonymously to the exhibition.
- Mr. Bruder
Dies of typhoid fever, weakened by past excess; Dennis and Mrs. Bruder support the family after his death.
- Miss Winthrop
Now Mrs. Leonard, on her wedding trip; meets Dennis by chance, invites him to dine, and draws out his story with feminine tact.
- Mr. Ludolph
Discharged Dennis, becomes Baron Ludolph after his brother's death, and continues to spy on Christine through the maid.
- Mrs. Bruder
After her husband's death, keeps her lodgings with Dennis's help and works as a laundress and seamstress.
Key passages
“Another heavy blow fell upon Dennis in the loss of his old friend and instructor, Mr. Bruder. By prayer and effort, his own and others, he was saved morally and spiritually, but he had been greatly shattered by past excess. He was attacked by typhoid fever, and after a few days’ illness died.”
Dennis suffered another major loss when his friend and teacher Mr. Bruder died of typhoid fever, weakened by his previous intemperance, despite having been saved morally and spiritually.
Mr. Bruder's death underscores the consequences of past excess and the theme of suffering.
“He believed in the truth, too little recognized among brain-workers, that men can develop themselves into splendid mental conditions, wherein they can accomplish almost double their ordinary amount of labor.”
Dennis believed that mental discipline could greatly increase productivity, a principle often overlooked by intellectuals.
Reflects Dennis's disciplined approach to his art and life.
“He sought to banish all thought of her.”
Dennis tried to push all thoughts of Christine out of his mind.
Highlights Dennis's internal struggle with his feelings for Christine.
“She meant to send it anonymously, so that not even her father should know its authorship. She hoped that Dennis would recognize it.”
Christine planned to submit her painting without revealing her name, hoping Dennis would identify her work.
Shows Christine's secret, indirect attempt to communicate with Dennis through art.
