XIX explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Horse Trading and Moral Ambiguity

  David's handling of the mortgage is a blend of business acumen and personal morality, as he seeks to prevent Swinney from gaining the property while also showing compassion to Mrs. Cullom.

• Character and Reputation

  David's story about his childhood illustrates the impact of a kind act on his character, and his reputation is shaped by both his shrewdness and his hidden generosity.

• Family and Kinship

  The memory of David's relative (likely his brother or uncle) who took him to the circus highlights the importance of family bonds and kindness.

Characters to notice

• David Harum

  David negotiates with Mrs. Cullom, explaining his business motives and sharing a personal story from his youth.

• Mrs. Cullom

  Mrs. Cullom reluctantly agrees to settle the mortgage, expressing her hopelessness and recalling the kindness of David's relative.

• John Lenox

  John is present to take the acknowledgments and observes the interaction between David and Mrs. Cullom.

• Zeke Swinney

  Mentioned as the person David wants to prevent from acquiring Mrs. Cullom's property.

• Charley Cullom

  Mrs. Cullom's son, who is unable to help her keep the property.

Key passages

• “I see how things was goin’, an’ I see that unless I played euchre, ’Zeke Swinney ’d git that prop’ty, an’ whether I wanted it myself or not, I didn’t cal’late he sh’d git it anyway.”

  David explains that he acted to prevent Zeke Swinney from acquiring the property, regardless of his own interest in it.

  David reveals his strategic motive driven by past grievance with Swinney.

• “I was ready to sink into the ground with shyniss at fust, but that wore off some after a little, an’ we two seen the hull show, I tell ye.”

  David recalls his initial embarrassment at the circus with his benefactor, which gradually faded as they enjoyed the show together.

  David's childhood memory illustrates the transformative power of kindness.