# Chapter VI: The End of Boyhood explained — David Harum > Chapter companion for David Harum by Edward Noyes Westcott. ## What happens John Lenox returns home to New York after two years abroad, arriving in a carriage with the Carlings and Miss Blake. Upon reaching his father's house, he is greeted by the old servant Jeffrey, who subtly hints at changes in Mr. Lenox's behavior and reduced circumstances. Alone in his room, John reflects on his past idleness and feels a new resolve to take responsibility for his life, spurred by his desire for Miss Blake's good opinion. He realizes he must find work and support his aging father, marking the end of his boyhood. ## Themes in this chapter ### Ambition and Contentment John's internal struggle between his easygoing past and his newfound drive to work and make a career, inspired by Miss Blake. ### Family and Kinship John's concern for his father's health and finances, and the strong but undemonstrative affection between them. ## Character check-ins ### John Lenox Returns home after two years abroad, resolves to end his boyhood and take on adult responsibilities. ### Mary Blake Seen briefly in the carriage; her manner is reserved and distant compared to their voyage intimacy. ### Jeffrey The old family servant who greets John and reports concerning changes in Mr. Lenox's habits and appearance. ### Mr. Euston John's father, mentioned as growing quieter, shabbier, and more reclusive; not directly seen in this chapter. ## Key lines > It came home to him that his father was his only resource, and that of his father’s affairs he knew next to nothing. John realized his father was his sole support, yet he was completely ignorant of his father's business matters. _Highlights John's sudden awareness of his dependence and lack of preparation for adulthood._ > He thought of her as one who could be tender to misfortune and charitable to incapacity, but who would have nothing but scorn for shiftlessness and malingering; and he realized that he had never cared for anything as for the good opinion of that young woman. John imagined Miss Blake as kind to those in genuine need but harsh toward laziness, and he understood that her respect mattered more to him than anything else. _Shows Miss Blake's influence as a catalyst for John's resolve to change his life._ > Jeffrey’s talk, though inconclusive, had stirred in John’s mind an uneasiness which was near to apprehension. Although Jeffrey's words were vague, they made John feel anxious and almost fearful about his father's condition. _Foreshadows potential financial or health troubles for Mr. Lenox._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_harum_se/chapters/vi - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_harum_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_harum_se/chapters