Diverging Roads · Chapter
XII explained
Helen receives a late-night call from Bert in Coalinga, who urgently asks her to wire him twenty dollars.
What happens
Helen receives a late-night call from Bert in Coalinga, who urgently asks her to wire him twenty dollars. She sends the money and, after a series of tense phone calls, agrees to join him despite her limited funds. She travels to Coalinga, finds Bert in a gloomy hotel room with other salesmen, and witnesses his charismatic revival of their spirits. Later, Bert returns exuberantly with gold coins, and they drive out to oil leases. Helen struggles with the oppressive heat and her own helplessness, but remains devoted to Bert's schemes.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Helen sacrifices her last dime and endures a difficult journey to be with Bert, driven by love and a desire to support him despite her own hardships.
Economic Hardship and Enterprise
Bert's desperate money request, the failed land campaign, and the risky oil speculation highlight the precariousness of their financial situation and the enterprising spirit of the era.
Gender Inequality and Business
Helen is excluded from business discussions and feels 'small and stupid,' reflecting the limited roles women had in male-dominated commercial ventures.
The American Dream and Disillusionment
Bert's promises of wealth and the harsh reality of Coalinga's oil fields illustrate the gap between the American Dream and the disillusionment of speculative ventures.
Characters to notice
- Helen Davies
Shows unwavering loyalty and love for Bert, sending him money and traveling to Coalinga despite her own poverty. She tries to maintain optimism and order in the chaotic environment.
- Mason
Bert Kennedy is depicted as charismatic, reckless, and volatile. He demands money from Helen, rallies despondent salesmen with fiery speeches, and celebrates a small windfall by tossing gold coins.
- Mrs. Kennedy
Not directly present, but Helen is referred to as Mrs. Kennedy in the context of her marriage to Bert.
- Mrs. Brown
Not present in this chapter.
- Paul
Not present in this chapter.
Key passages
“When the telephone awakened her one night at midnight her first thought was that he had come back.”
A midnight phone call made Helen initially believe Bert had returned.
Highlights Helen's longing and the sudden disruption of her routine.
“She was going to him with a high spirit, matching his reckless daring with her own.”
Helen approached the journey with a boldness that mirrored Bert's own risk-taking nature.
Shows Helen's attempt to adopt Bert's adventurous attitude despite her fears.
“He came in exuberantly, and as she ran toward him he tossed into the air a handful of clinking gold coins.”
Bert entered joyfully and threw gold coins into the air as Helen rushed to greet him.
Illustrates Bert's dramatic and impulsive behavior, and Helen's emotional response.