Dodsworth · Chapter
XVII explained
Sam Dodsworth visits Elon Richards at his Long Island estate, where he debates the merits of American versus European life, discusses socialism with Richards' daughter Sheila, and later reunites with his son Brent, who reveals his ambition
What happens
Sam Dodsworth visits Elon Richards at his Long Island estate, where he debates the merits of American versus European life, discusses socialism with Richards' daughter Sheila, and later reunites with his son Brent, who reveals his ambition to sell bonds rather than pursue a more substantive career, leaving Sam feeling disconnected.
Themes in this chapter
American Identity and Expatriation
Sam grapples with his American identity after experiencing Europe, feeling unsettled by the contrast between American hustle and European leisure.
Materialism vs. Culture
Sam questions the value of relentless money-making versus cultural enrichment, as seen in his conversation with Brent about building versus bond-selling.
The Search for Meaning and Self-Identity
Sam's introspection about his purpose and his son's future reflects his ongoing search for meaning beyond business success.
Characters to notice
- Sam Dodsworth
Reflects on his unsettled feelings about America and Europe, debates socialism with Sheila Richards, and struggles to connect with his son Brent.
- Elon Richards
Hosts Sam at Willow Marsh, shares his own European upbringing and pro-American sentiments, and encourages Sam to embrace the fight of American life.
- Sheila Richards
Richards' socialist daughter who challenges Sam and her father about wealth distribution and workers' rights.
- Brent
Sam's son, who finishes exams at Yale and reveals his plan to sell bonds, disappointing Sam's hope for him to build something lasting.
- Alec Kynance
Offers Sam a vice-presidency at U.A.C., which Sam refuses, feeling detached from business.
Key passages
“Sam Dodsworth still believed, in an unformulated and hazy way, that socialism meant the dividing-up of wealth, after which the millionaires would get it all back within ten years.”
Sam vaguely thought socialism was about redistributing wealth, but that the rich would reclaim it within a decade.
Reflects Sam's simplistic and outdated view of socialism, shaped by his business background.
“I felt there as though people made their jobs work for them; they didn’t give up their lives to working for their jobs.”
In Europe, people seemed to control their jobs rather than being controlled by them.
Sam contrasts European leisure with American workaholism, highlighting his cultural confusion.
“Sam sighed to himself that he had lost the boy forever.”
Sam felt a deep sense of loss, realizing his son's values were now irreconcilably different from his own.
Captures Sam's disappointment and emotional distance from Brent after their conversation about careers.