# XXV explained — His Family

> Chapter companion for His Family by Ernest Poole.

## What happens

Roger Gale, burdened by financial worries and Deborah's moral appeal, finds temporary diversion in the return of Laura and Harold from war-torn Europe, who recount their adventurous escape and lucrative war profiteering. Roger is torn between relief at their wealth and guilt over their callousness, while Deborah's relentless work for tenement children reminds him of his own pioneer heritage.

## Themes in this chapter

### Economic Struggle and Class

Roger's financial difficulties contrast with Harold's war profiteering, highlighting class and moral tensions.

### The Impact of Modernity and War

The war brings both adventure and moral decay; Laura and Harold's greed versus Deborah's selfless work.

### Family and Generational Change

Roger compares Deborah to her pioneer grandmother, linking past and present struggles.

## Character check-ins

### Roger Gale

Struggles with financial strain and guilt over Deborah's influence; feels relief at Harold's war profits but later condemns the greed.

### Deborah Gale

Works doggedly on her school project; silently disapproves of Laura and Harold's war profiteering; embodies pioneer spirit.

### Laura Gale

Returns from Europe with Harold, recounting their adventurous escape and excitement over war profits; described as vibrant and unthinkingly selfish.

### Harold Sloane

Returns with Laura, boasting of securing munitions orders and escaping the war; focused on profit and adventure.

## Key lines

> Take care of your own flesh and blood, and then be generous as you please⁠—that had always been his way.

Roger's principle is to first secure his own family's needs before being charitable.

_Reflects Roger's pragmatic and self-protective nature._

> How has the war hit you, sir?

Harold asks Roger how the war has affected his business.

_Shows Harold's focus on financial impact and Roger's reluctance to reveal his struggles._

> We are coming, Father Abraham, three hundred thousand more.

A memory of the Civil War song about volunteers answering Lincoln's call.

_Connects Roger's past to the present war, evoking a sense of duty and sacrifice._

## Links

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