Dodsworth · Chapter
XXI explained
Sam and Fran continue their European travels, but the tedium and isolation of hotel life weigh heavily on them.
What happens
Sam and Fran continue their European travels, but the tedium and isolation of hotel life weigh heavily on them. Sam reflects on their strained relationship, Fran's childishness, and his growing disillusionment with her. He contrasts her with Edith Cortright and begins to question his long-held admiration for Fran. The chapter includes a philosophical meditation on the nature of travel and its supposed benefits.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Disillusionment
Sam and Fran's relationship becomes strained and self-conscious; Sam questions his long-held admiration for Fran and sees her as a child.
The Search for Meaning and Self-Identity
Sam reflects on the purpose of travel and his own identity, feeling the tedium and questioning what he truly gains from the journey.
Loneliness and Aging
The isolation of hotel life and the loneliness of travel weigh on Sam; he feels the passage of time and the loss of youthful romance.
American Identity and Expatriation
The chapter contrasts American tourists with European locals, and Sam observes the range of American types abroad, from the Meeces to the Noisy Pair.
Characters to notice
- Sam Dodsworth
Reflects on the boredom of travel, his relationship with Fran, and his growing critical view of her.
- Fran Dodsworth
Shows childishness and pretentiousness; strains to be friendly with Sam but often quarrels over trivial matters.
- Edith Cortright
Mentioned as a contrast to Fran; Sam compares Fran unfavorably to her.
- Arnold Israel
Referenced in Sam's thoughts; Fran seems to have forgotten him, and Sam notes her lack of loyalty.
- Ross Ireland
Mentioned as someone Sam talks about when he meets an American or English traveler.
- Herman Voelker
Referenced as Fran's father; Sam notes Fran's pretentiousness about her family background.
- Mr. Meece
A typical American traveler encountered by Sam; a retired druggist from Ottumwa, Iowa.
- Mrs. Alls
Not directly mentioned in excerpts; omitted as no clear presence.
Key passages
“Twilight in Naples, and from their room at Bertolini's they looked across the bay. The water and the mountains in the water were the color of smoke, and a few little boats, far out, were fleeing home before dark.”
At dusk in Naples, Sam and Fran watch the smoky bay and distant boats from their hotel room.
A moment of shared tenderness between Sam and Fran, though it is quickly broken by Fran's dismissive comment.
“He had won her back to be his wife! 'And they still sing that horrible grind-organ garbage! Let's go eat,' she said.”
Sam feels he has rekindled their marriage, but Fran's harsh remark about the music shatters his romantic mood.
Illustrates the disconnect between Sam's hopes and Fran's reality.
“She was lovely quicksilver, but quicksilver is hard for a thick hand to hold.”
Fran is beautiful and elusive, but difficult for Sam to grasp or keep.
Sam's metaphor for Fran's changeable and untrustworthy nature.
“If travel were so inspiring and informing a business as the new mode of round-the-world-tour advertisements eloquently sets forth, then the wisest men in the world would be deck hands on tramp steamers, Pullman porters, and Mormon missionaries.”
The narrator argues that travel is not inherently educational, otherwise the most knowledgeable people would be those who travel constantly for work.
A satirical commentary on the romanticized view of travel.
