# XXXVIII explained — His Family > Chapter companion for His Family by Ernest Poole. ## What happens Roger Gale travels with Edith and her children to their new home in rural New England, reflecting on the tension between preserving old traditions and embracing new ideas. He encourages his grandson George to pursue modern farming methods and education, while George eagerly plans to transform the family farm with innovative techniques, despite the cautious advice of old-timer Dave Royce. ## Themes in this chapter ### Family and Generational Change Roger reflects on the family's pioneering spirit and hopes George will carry forward new ideas while respecting the past. ### Urban vs. Rural Life The journey from New York to the countryside highlights the contrast between old rural traditions and the potential for modern innovation. ### Economic Struggle and Class Roger's business is picking up, and he offers financial backing to George; the farm's potential is discussed in terms of profit and investment. ## Character check-ins ### Roger Gale Observes the landscape and reflects on the journey as a migration; watches Edith and the children; counsels George on the importance of education and modern farming; feels stronger and sleeps well. ### Edith Gale Sits by the window, showing signs of age and quiet resolve; has left New York for a simpler life in the old family house. ### George Excited about the move and the future; chews gum in the smoking car; determined to modernize the farm with hogs, hens, incubators, a dynamo, and a Ford; argues with Dave Royce about the best approach. ### Dave Royce Old farm hand who advises caution; recommends starting with cows rather than George's ambitious plans; skeptical but open to new ideas like a Ford. ### Bruce Cunningham Sits in Betsy's lap looking at a picture book; mentioned as part of the family group. ### Elizabeth Referred to as Betsy; sits with Bruce in her lap; Roger wonders about her future ambitions. ## Key lines > It was a clear beautiful afternoon toward the end of May. And as the train puffing up the grade wound along the Connecticut River, Roger sat looking out of the window. On a fine late-spring afternoon, Roger watched the scenery from the train as it climbed beside the Connecticut River. _Sets the scene for the journey and Roger's reflective mood._ > I'm going to do it, George replied. His grandfather glanced again at his face, so scowling, so determined. And a gleam of compassion and yearning came for a moment in Roger's eyes. George declared his determination, and Roger looked at him with a mix of pride and tenderness. _Highlights the bond and Roger's hopes for George's future._ > We don't want to forget, he warned, that this is still New England. Every new idea we have we want to go easy with, snake it in. Roger advised George to introduce innovations gradually, respecting the conservative nature of the region. _Illustrates the theme of balancing tradition and progress._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/his_family_se/chapters/xxxviii - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/his_family_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/his_family_se/chapters