His Family · Chapter
XIX explained
Edith rejoices at Deborah's engagement to Allan Baird, and the family discusses the wedding plans and Deborah's future.
What happens
Edith rejoices at Deborah's engagement to Allan Baird, and the family discusses the wedding plans and Deborah's future. Bruce and Edith resolve to become closer to the couple, leading to a series of joyful outings. After attending The Follies of 1914, Bruce insists on fixing his car despite rain, and a sudden crash outside the taxi suggests a tragic accident.
Themes in this chapter
Love, Marriage, and Women's Roles
Edith's concerns about Deborah's age and the conflict between her school career and motherhood reflect contemporary anxieties about women's roles after marriage.
Family and Generational Change
Bruce and Edith's resolve to 'blossom out' and become closer to Deborah and Allan signals a shift in family dynamics and a desire for renewal.
The Impact of Modernity and War
The setting of 1914 and the mention of The Follies evoke the pre-war era; the sudden car crash hints at the fragility of modern life and impending tragedy.
Characters to notice
- Edith Gale
Radiant at Deborah's engagement; discusses wedding plans and Deborah's age and school; resolves with Bruce to be closer to Deborah and Allan.
- Roger Gale
Blissfully shares wedding plans with Edith; expresses unease about Edith's comments on Deborah's chances of having a child.
- Deborah Gale
Engaged to Allan Baird; agrees to keep close with Bruce and Edith; admires Bruce's resolve.
- Bruce Cunningham
Talks with Deborah about staying close; plans parties and looks for a dance teacher; insists on fixing his car after the theater, leading to a crash.
- Allan Baird
Deborah's fiancé; puts his arm around Deborah after the theater; jumps from the taxi after hearing a crash.
Key passages
““Oh, that’s so nice,” sighed Edith. “I was afraid she’d want to drag in her school.””
Edith expresses relief that Deborah's wedding will be simple and family-only, not involving her school.
Edith's relief underscores her hope that Deborah will leave her career behind after marriage.
““We’ll jump out of our skins and be young again.””
Bruce declares that he and Edith will shed their old routines and embrace a more youthful, social life.
Bruce's enthusiasm for change contrasts with the tragic turn of events later in the chapter.
“Out of the street’s commotion came a sharp cry of warning. It was followed by a shriek and a crash.”
A sudden warning shout, then a scream and the sound of a collision, interrupt the night.
The abrupt shift from joy to disaster marks the climax of the chapter, implying Bruce's fatal accident.