Barriers Burned Away · Chapter
The Gates Open explained
Dennis Fleet, grieving his mother's death and feeling betrayed by Christine Ludolph's apparent indifference, is fired by Mr.
What happens
Dennis Fleet, grieving his mother's death and feeling betrayed by Christine Ludolph's apparent indifference, is fired by Mr. Ludolph. Christine, unaware of the treachery of her maid Janette, sprains her ankle and is unable to visit Mrs. Fleet before she dies. Dennis buries his mother and takes his sisters east, then returns to Chicago to find Christine's home filled with revelry on the night of the funeral. He receives a letter of dismissal from Mr. Ludolph, deepening his bitterness. Meanwhile, Christine, believing Dennis despises her, agrees to join Mrs. Von Brakhiem's party traveling west.
Themes in this chapter
Faith and Doubt
Mrs. Fleet's unwavering faith contrasts with Dennis's bitter doubt and anger toward Christine and God.
Social Class and Barriers
The growing barriers between Dennis and Christine are emphasized by Mr. Ludolph's dismissal and the revelry at the Ludolph mansion.
Love and Sacrifice
Dennis's love for his mother and his lingering feelings for Christine are tested by betrayal and loss.
Suffering and Providence
Mrs. Fleet's suffering and death, along with Dennis's hardships, are framed within a spiritual context of divine timing and prayer.
Characters to notice
- Dennis Fleet
Grieves his mother's death, feels betrayed by Christine, and is fired by Mr. Ludolph.
- Christine Ludolph
Sprains her ankle, unable to visit Mrs. Fleet; unaware of Janette's treachery; agrees to travel west with Mrs. Von Brakhiem.
- Mr. Ludolph
Fires Dennis by letter and hosts a revel at his mansion on the night of Mrs. Fleet's funeral.
- Mrs. Fleet
Dies after a long illness; writes to Christine but the letter is intercepted and burned by Mr. Ludolph.
- Ernst
Carries messages, reports the revelry at the Ludolph mansion to Dennis, and is shocked by the festivities.
- Mrs. Von Brakhiem
Arrives from New York with a gay party and persuades Christine to join their western trip.
- Miss Winthrop
Christine's maid who intercepts Mrs. Fleet's letter and sells the flowers and fruit meant for the Fleet family.
- Mr. Cornell
Grants Dennis permission to compete for the art prize, though doubtfully.
Key passages
“women have true metal in them (and they usually have) they become unselfishly devoted to others, and by gentle, self-denying ways seek to impart to those about them the happiness denied to themselves.”
Women of strong character often become selflessly devoted to others, trying to share happiness they themselves lack.
Narrator's reflection on the nature of women, contrasting with Christine's situation.
“God is not against her learning to know Him, which is life. Jesus has loved her all the time, and she has wronged Him more than she has you.”
God wants Christine to know Him, and she has wronged Jesus more than she has wronged Dennis.
Mrs. Fleet's spiritual counsel to Dennis about Christine.
“She has snapped the last slender cord that bound me to her. I could endure almost anything myself, but that she should refuse to visit my dying mother proves her a monster, with all her beauty.”
Dennis feels Christine has broken their last connection; her refusal to visit his dying mother makes her seem monstrous despite her beauty.
Dennis's bitter reaction to Christine's apparent neglect.
“The barriers between us grow stronger and higher every day. How different it all might have been if—. But what is the use of these wretched 'ifs'?”
Christine laments that the obstacles between her and Dennis are increasing, and regrets the uselessness of wondering 'what if.'
Christine's despondent reflection on her relationship with Dennis.
