XIV explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• The American Dream and Its Disillusionment

  Vance arrives in New York with hopes of success but faces loneliness, financial strain, and a sense of failure.

• Artistic Ambition and Creative Struggle

  Vance dreams of writing a novel called 'Loot' but struggles to find his place and purpose in the city.

Characters to notice

• Vance Weston

  Arrives in New York with $92, sends a gift to Mrs. Tracy, and seeks lodging.

• Laura Lou

  Vance buys a scarf for her and later sends a flower basket, thinking of her.

• Miss Spear

  Vance recalls her description of a Greek temple and her unhappiness over the stolen books.

• Mrs. Tracy

  Vance sends her a flower basket as a gift, though he later regrets the gesture.

• Upton Tracy

  Vance lent him money and reflects on his irresponsibility during their outing.

• Mrs. Lorin Weston

  Vance writes to his mother to reassure her about his situation in New York.

Key passages

• “He thought what fun it would be to write a novel of New York and call it Loot — and he began to picture how different life would have seemed that morning had he had the typescript of the finished novel under his arm, and been on his way to the editorial offices of one of the big magazines.”

  Vance imagines how exciting it would be to have a completed novel about New York and be heading to a magazine editor's office.

  Reflects Vance's artistic ambition and desire for success.

• “He felt the same desolation, the sense of life being over for him, as when he had staggered down the passage to his parents’ room and groped for the absent revolver.”

  Vance experiences a deep despair similar to when he had previously considered suicide.

  Highlights Vance's emotional turmoil and sense of failure.