Diverging Roads · Chapter
Chapter XVIII explained
Helen, weary from years of business, decides to quit her real estate partnership with Hutchinson, despite his protests and the promising war boom.
What happens
Helen, weary from years of business, decides to quit her real estate partnership with Hutchinson, despite his protests and the promising war boom. She finds solace in domestic simplicity and begins to think of Paul. Later, Bert returns, attempting to win her back with grand promises and emotional appeals, but Helen remains resolute, recognizing his motives as self-serving. She insists on a divorce, and after he leaves, she sobs alone before composing herself to close a final sale. A week later, she formally announces her resignation to Hutchinson.
Themes in this chapter
Female Autonomy and Ambition
Helen asserts her independence by quitting the business she built and by rejecting Bert's attempts to reclaim her, choosing a divorce and a new path.
Economic Hardship and Enterprise
The real estate business is central to the chapter, with Helen and Hutchinson discussing the war's potential to create a boom, yet Helen chooses to leave despite the opportunity.
Love and Sacrifice
Helen's past love for Bert is contrasted with her current resolve; she sacrifices the comfort of reconciliation for self-respect, and her thoughts turn to Paul as a symbol of genuine affection.
Characters to notice
- Helen Davies
Decides to quit the real estate business, feeling profound weariness and a need to relax her self-control. She finds joy in domestic tasks and thinks of Paul. Later, she resists Bert's attempts at reconciliation and insists on a divorce, though she breaks down afterward.
- J. D. Hutchinson
Helen's business partner, who is shocked and protests her decision to quit, but eventually takes over her share of commissions and the car.
- Mason
Returns to Helen, attempting to win her back with promises of reform and a lucrative job in Australia. He is unable to accept her refusal and leaves angrily after she insists on a divorce.
- Paul
Thought of by Helen after she quits; she considers telephoning him to visit and making a peach shortcake for him.
- Mabel
Helen thinks of inviting Mabel and her baby for a visit.
Key passages
“She felt a profound weariness, an unease of spirit that was like the ache of a body too long held motionless. Business had rested on her like a weight for nearly four years. She could bear it no longer.”
Helen is exhausted from four years of running the business and can no longer endure the burden.
This captures her decision to quit and her emotional state.
“She saw that the way to lose this man was to cling to him; he wanted her now, because she had no need of him.”
Helen realizes that Bert only desires her because she is no longer dependent on him.
Highlights her insight into Bert's psychology and her own strength.
“She was looking down at her hands, unable any longer to read what her eyes saw in him. Her hands lay folded on the edge of the desk, composed and quiet, not moved at all by the sick trembling that was shaking her.”
Helen's hands appear calm even though she is trembling inside, showing her outward composure during Bert's plea.
Illustrates her internal conflict and self-control.