David Harum · Chapter
XXV explained
David Harum recounts his early life, including his first horse purchase and his experiences working on the Erie Canal, contrasting the harshness of his childhood home with the relative freedom of canal life.
What happens
David Harum recounts his early life, including his first horse purchase and his experiences working on the Erie Canal, contrasting the harshness of his childhood home with the relative freedom of canal life. He reflects on the value of delayed gratification and the lessons learned from his humble beginnings.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Contentment
David's narrative of starting with a broken-down horse and building a successful business illustrates the theme of ambition and the satisfaction of achieving goals through perseverance.
Family and Kinship
David contrasts his harsh family life on Buxton Hill with the relative kindness he found among canal workers, highlighting the theme of family and belonging.
Characters to notice
- David Harum
David shares personal stories about his first horse, his canal work, and his childhood hardships, revealing his character and past.
- John Lenox
John listens attentively to David's stories, offering thoughtful comments and encouraging David to continue.
- Aunt Polly
David mentions Polly fondly, noting his desire to buy her gifts and his appreciation for her kindness.
- Lish Harum
David references his older brother 'Lish as a cruel figure from his childhood, worse than the rough canal workers.
Key passages
“I never spent a small amount o' money but one other time an' got so much value, only I alwus ben kickin' myself to think I didn't do it sooner.”
I only spent a small amount of money once before and got such great value, but I always regretted not doing it earlier.
David reflects on the value of his silver tobacco box and the regret of delaying the purchase.
“I used to think when I was a youngster that if ever I got where I c'd have all the custard pie I c'd eat that'd be all 't I'd ask fer.”
As a child, I thought having unlimited custard pie would be the ultimate happiness.
David illustrates how desires change with age and experience.
“The canalers was a rough set in gen'ral, but they averaged fer disposition 'bout like the ord'nary run o' folks; the' was mean ones an' clever ones; them that would put upon ye, an' them that would treat ye decent.”
The canal workers were generally rough, but their temperaments were similar to most people—some were mean, some were kind, some would take advantage of you, and others would treat you fairly.
David offers a balanced view of the canal workers he encountered.