# XXXVII explained — Hudson River Bracketed

> Chapter companion for Hudson River Bracketed by Edith Wharton.

## What happens

Vance receives a letter from his grandmother, Mrs. Scrimser, announcing her arrival in New York to speak for the 'Seekers.' He learns from Mrs. Spear that his grandmother is the featured speaker at a gathering that evening. Vance attends the meeting, feeling conflicted about his grandmother's new role as a prophetess. Later, driven by a deep craving, he takes a late-night train to the sea, where he experiences a profound sense of connection to the natural world. Returning home, he finds Laura Lou ill with a fever, and he grapples with the impossibility of his love for Halo.

## Themes in this chapter

### Spirituality and Religious Hypocrisy

Vance observes his grandmother's transformation into a prophetess and questions the authenticity of her faith, contrasting it with his own spiritual yearnings.

### Nature and the American Landscape

Vance's nocturnal journey to the sea symbolizes a return to primal, natural forces, offering him a sense of peace and connection.

### The American Dream and Its Disillusionment

Vance's return to the squalor of his urban life after the sublime sea experience highlights the gap between aspiration and reality.

## Character check-ins

### Vance Weston

Struggles with his feelings for Halo and his grandmother's new religious role; takes a solitary trip to the sea at night.

### Mrs. Scrimser

Arrives in New York as a prophetess for the 'Seekers,' speaking at Mrs. Spear's home.

### Laura Lou

Ill with a feverish cold, confined to bed, and excited about meeting Mrs. Scrimser.

### Halo Tarrant

Referenced in Vance's thoughts; her words about never leaving her husband haunt him.

### Mrs. Spear

Hosts the 'Seekers' meeting and reveals her connection to Mrs. Scrimser.

### Saidie Toler

Present at Mrs. Spear's house before the meeting, accompanying Mrs. Lotus Mennenkoop.

## Key lines

> The old affinity woke in him, the sense of some deep complementary power moving those endless surges as it swayed his listening self.

He felt a deep, ancient connection to the sea, as if its movements echoed his own inner turmoil.

_Vance's spiritual and emotional bond with the natural world is emphasized._

> He knew now that he and she would never be free, either of them. She would never come to him; it was all a fading blur of unreality.

He realized that he and Halo would never be together, and his hopes for a future with her dissolved.

_Vance accepts the impossibility of his love for Halo._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hudson_river_bracketed_se/chapters/xxxvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hudson_river_bracketed_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hudson_river_bracketed_se/chapters