Gentlemen Prefer Blondes · Chapter
V: The Central of Europe explained
Lorelei and Dorothy travel on the Oriental Express through Central Europe, where they encounter the famous Henry Spoffard.
What happens
Lorelei and Dorothy travel on the Oriental Express through Central Europe, where they encounter the famous Henry Spoffard. Lorelei attempts to impress him by presenting herself as an old-fashioned, moral girl, while worrying about Dorothy's unrefined behavior. They stop in Munich to view art, but find the city's culture and smells overwhelming.
Themes in this chapter
American Exceptionalism and Cultural Contrast
Lorelei and Dorothy contrast American gentlemen and culture with the unfamiliar, 'depressing' Central European landscape and customs.
Appearance vs. Reality
Lorelei presents herself as an old-fashioned, moral girl to impress Mr. Spoffard, while hiding her true nature and worrying about Dorothy's lack of refinement.
Characters to notice
- Dorothy
Travels with Lorelei; makes cynical remarks about Europe and Mr. Spoffard; Lorelei worries about her unrefined behavior.
- Mr. Eisman
Arrived in Paris, then went to Vienna to buy a button factory; sends Lorelei and Dorothy on the Oriental Express to get educated.
- Henry Spoffard
Famous American from a fine old family; travels with his mother and Miss Chapman; interested in reforming people and has strong morals.
- Miss Chapman
Companion to Mr. Spoffard's mother; described by Dorothy as wearing a collar and tie even off horseback.
Key passages
“Dorothy says she thinks that maybe I might become quite friendly with Mr. Spoffard and especially with his mother because she thinks his mother and I have quite a lot that is common”
Dorothy suggests that Lorelei could become friends with Mr. Spoffard and his mother, as she believes Lorelei and Mrs. Spoffard share common interests.
Lorelei recounts Dorothy's opinion on her potential relationship with the Spoffards.
“Dorothy said it was the look that Miss Chapman gave her at luncheon that really gave her the idea about the ice man.”
Dorothy claims that Miss Chapman's cold stare at lunch inspired her comparison to an ice man.
Dorothy uses a metaphor to describe Miss Chapman's unfriendly demeanor.
“Dorothy says she thinks any gentleman with Mr. Spoffards brains had ought to spend his time putting nickels into an electric piano”
Dorothy believes that a man as intelligent as Mr. Spoffard should be doing something more trivial, like playing a nickelodeon.
Dorothy dismisses Mr. Spoffard's intellectual pursuits.
“Dorothy looked around and Dorothy said, if this is 'kunst,' the art center”
Dorothy sarcastically comments that if this is art, then Munich is the art center.
Dorothy mocks the artistic pretensions of Munich's theater.