# Chapter XX explained — His Family

> Chapter companion for His Family by Ernest Poole.

## What happens

Bruce Cunningham is fatally injured in a car accident. As he lies dying, he arranges his affairs, appointing Allan Baird as executor and expressing his love for his family. Deborah and Roger Gale rush to be with him, and Bruce's final moments are marked by a desperate struggle to hold on to life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mortality and Legacy

Bruce's sudden death forces him to confront his mortality and hastily arrange his legacy for his family.

### Family and Generational Change

The accident brings the family together in crisis, highlighting bonds and the passing of responsibility to the next generation.

## Character check-ins

### Roger Gale

Awakened by a phone call from Deborah, he rushes to Edith's apartment to find Bruce dying.

### Deborah Gale

Calls her father with news of the accident, helps comfort Bruce, and stays by his side.

### Bruce Cunningham

Struck by a car and fatally injured; he makes final arrangements and bids his family goodbye.

### Allan Baird

Brings Bruce home, calls a surgeon, and is appointed executor of Bruce's estate.

### Edith Gale

Bruce's wife, who is with him as he dies and comes to understand the situation.

### George

Bruce's son, who promises to stand by his mother.

## Key lines

> I'm not leaving them a dollar!

Bruce declares he has no money to leave his family.

_Bruce's financial anxiety in his final moments._

> Fix me for them

Bruce asks Allan to arrange things for his wife and son.

_Bruce's concern for his family's future._

> I won't let go!

Bruce refuses to accept his impending death.

_Bruce's desperate struggle to survive._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xx
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/his_family_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/his_family_se/chapters