# XXXVI explained — David Harum

> Chapter companion for David Harum by Edward Noyes Westcott.

## What happens

Miss Clara and Miss Verjoos discuss John Lenox after meeting him at church. Miss Clara invites John to a musical evening at their home, where he will be asked to sing. David Harum encourages John and offers him a carriage for the event.

## Themes in this chapter

### Rural vs. Urban Life

The contrast between John's simple life with David and Polly and the more formal social scene of Homeville's aristocracy is highlighted.

### Ambition and Contentment

John's nervousness about performing before strangers reflects his struggle between his current contentment and the pressures of social expectation.

## Character check-ins

### Miss Clara

Invites John to a musical evening at her home and discusses his singing.

### Miss Verjoos

Accompanies her sister and makes a wry comment about John's charm.

### John Lenox

Accepts the invitation to sing at the Verjoos home and feels nervous about performing.

### David Harum

Encourages John, offers him a carriage, and humorously describes John's singing.

### Aunt Polly

Admires John's appearance before he leaves for the musical evening.

### Peleg Hopkins

Announces the Verjoos sisters' arrival at the bank.

## Key lines

> “Well,” said Miss Verjoos, when her sister overtook her, Mr. Euston having stopped at his own gate, “you and your latest discovery seemed to be getting on pretty well from the occasional sounds which came to my ears. What is he like?” “He’s charming,” declared Miss Clara.

Miss Verjoos asks her sister about John, and Miss Clara describes him as charming.

_The sisters discuss John after meeting him at church._

> “I should like to hear them,” said Miss Clara, laughing, “and I should particularly like to hear your favorite, the one which ends with the Amen⁠—the very large A⁠—men.” “Seventeen hands,” declared Mr. Harum.

Miss Clara expresses interest in hearing John sing, and David Harum humorously describes the song's powerful ending.

_David's colorful description of John's singing amuses Miss Clara._

> “It’s rather different,” observed the younger man, “singing for you and Mrs. Bixbee and standing up before a lot of strange people.” “H-m, h-m,” said David with a nod; “diff’rence ’tween joggin’ along on the road an’ drivin’ a fust heat on the track...

John says singing for friends is different from performing for strangers, and David compares it to the difference between a casual ride and a competitive race.

_David uses a horse-racing metaphor to comfort John about his nervousness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_harum_se/chapters/xxxvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_harum_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_harum_se/chapters