Cimarron · Chapter
Chapter XV explained
Five years after Yancey's departure, Sabra Cravat has developed into a capable newspaper editor, running the Oklahoma Wigwam and raising her children Cim and Donna alone.
What happens
Five years after Yancey's departure, Sabra Cravat has developed into a capable newspaper editor, running the Oklahoma Wigwam and raising her children Cim and Donna alone. Rumors about Yancey's fate swirl through the territory, but Sabra remains steadfast. She rejects her mother Felice Venable's attempts to bring her back to Wichita. The chapter contrasts Sabra's moral rectitude with Dixie Lee's brothel, which serves as a rough-hewn social club for men. Sabra's friendship with Sol Levy grows, as he provides business advice and helps her survive economically. The chapter also notes the rise of Pat Leary as a lawyer and the growth of Osage.
Themes in this chapter
Gender Roles and Women's Agency
Sabra defies her mother and society by running the newspaper alone, developing her own powers and independence after Yancey's departure.
Myth vs. Reality
Yancey Cravat becomes a legendary figure through wild rumors, contrasting with Sabra's practical survival and the real hardships of the territory.
Social Class and Morality
Sabra's moral condemnation of Dixie Lee's brothel contrasts with the brothel's role as a social club, highlighting class and moral divides in frontier society.
Transformation and Progress
Sabra transforms from a 'charming little fool' to a capable editor; Osage grows with new streets, businesses, and a zoo, symbolizing territorial progress.
Characters to notice
- Sabra Cravat
Now a competent newspaper editor running the Oklahoma Wigwam, she has hardened and developed her powers after Yancey's abandonment, rejecting her mother's pleas to return home.
- Yancey Cravat
Absent for five years, he is the subject of wild rumors—that he lives with a Cherokee squaw, was hanged, or leads the Doolin gang; his legend grows in the territory.
- Cim Cravat
Now a boy who speaks of Yancey as if he were in the next room, defending his father's reputation to his grandmother.
- Donna Cravat
So young when Yancey left that he is nearly wiped from her memory.
- Felice Venable
Visits from Wichita with other Venables to bring Sabra home, but is rebuffed; she scorns Yancey's memory.
- Dixie Lee
Now a woman of thirty, she runs a red brick brothel that serves as a club and salon for men; Sabra condemns her in editorials.
- Tracy Wyatt
Brings social notices to the Wigwam and joins Sabra in condemning Dixie Lee's parade.
- Sol Levy
A quiet, sad-eyed merchant who has bought real estate and started a zoo; he advises Sabra and helps her survive through advertising and loans.
Key passages
“It was not until he left her, and the years rolled round without him, that she developed her powers.”
Sabra only became capable and strong after Yancey abandoned her and time passed.
Highlights Sabra's personal growth and agency after her husband's departure.
“They say he is living with the Cherokee squaw who is really his wife. They say he was seen making the Run in the Kickapoo Land Opening in 1895. They say he killed a man in the Cherokee Strip Run and was caught by a posse and hung.”
Rumors about Yancey's whereabouts and fate proliferate, claiming he lives with a Cherokee woman, participated in land runs, or was hanged for murder.
Illustrates the mythologizing of Yancey Cravat in the territory.
“I intend to stay right here in Osage, and run the paper, and bring up my children as their father would have expected them to be brought up.”
Sabra firmly tells her mother she will remain in Osage to manage the newspaper and raise her children according to Yancey's expectations.
Shows Sabra's determination and independence against family pressure.
“Some day, Mrs. Cravat, you and I will look back on this and we will laugh—but not very loud.”
Sol Levy predicts that he will become rich and Sabra famous, but their success will be bittersweet.
Reflects Sol's quiet optimism and the theme of transformation.
