Diverging Roads · Chapter
XVI explained
Helen returns to Coalinga after meeting Paul, exhausted but reinvigorated.
What happens
Helen returns to Coalinga after meeting Paul, exhausted but reinvigorated. She makes a sale despite a rival salesman's attempt to undermine her because she is a woman. She learns that Clark & Hayward have given her oil fields territory to two other salesmen, Hutchinson and Monroe. She fights to keep her commissions but is forced to yield, though she outsmarts them by giving worthless leads. She feels bitter and lonely, walking through quiet streets at night, and sends her sister Mabel a wedding gift of a rose lunch cloth she had embroidered, symbolizing her own lost dreams.
Themes in this chapter
Gender Inequality and Business
Helen is patronized by Hutchinson and Monroe, who treat her as a woman first and a salesperson second, forcing her to fight for her commissions and respect.
Isolation and Longing
Helen walks alone through quiet streets at night, watching families and feeling an ache of wistfulness and loneliness.
The American Dream and Disillusionment
Helen works hard to achieve financial independence and a home, but her success is undermined by male colleagues and her personal sacrifices leave her empty.
Characters to notice
- Helen Davies
Returns to Coalinga after meeting Paul, makes a sale, fights to keep her territory, and feels bitter and lonely.
- Mason
Bert's debt is being reduced by Helen's commissions; she still feels bound to him.
- Mabel
Helen's sister who is marrying Bob Mason; Helen sends her a rose lunch cloth and a check.
- Monroe
One of the salesmen assigned to Helen's territory; uses a paternal manner to undermine her.
- Hutchinson
The other salesman assigned to Helen's territory; initially patronizing but later respects her after she outsmarts him.
Key passages
““You’ve got to fight!” she told herself. “Are you going to let them put it over on you because you’re a woman?””
Helen resolves to fight against being taken advantage of due to her gender.
Shows Helen's determination to overcome gender discrimination in business.
“She was surprised to discover the bitterness developing in her.”
Helen notices a growing bitterness within herself.
Highlights the emotional toll of her struggles.
“It lay in her thoughts like a nucleus of a future contentment.”
The rose lunch cloth represented a core of future happiness for Helen.
Symbolizes her dreams of a peaceful home life.
““My dear Mrs. Kennedy—ah—really—this is business.””
Monroe dismisses Helen's concerns by invoking the impersonal nature of business.
Illustrates the condescending attitude Helen faces.
““You certainly put one over on us,” Hutchinson said without malice, and from that time they regarded her more as an equal than as a woman.”
Hutchinson acknowledges Helen's cleverness, and they begin to treat her with respect.
Marks a turning point where Helen earns grudging respect through her wits.