Look Homeward, Angel · Chapter
XV explained
Eugene Gant reflects on his philosophical belief in Chance as the organizing principle of life, shaped by his parents' contrasting natures.
What happens
Eugene Gant reflects on his philosophical belief in Chance as the organizing principle of life, shaped by his parents' contrasting natures. He experiences a profound sense of loneliness and self-awareness, recalling memories and sensations from his past. The chapter also details Eliza Gant's financial success and renovations to Dixieland, while Eugene feels increasingly isolated from former friends and immersed in his own imaginative world.
Themes in this chapter
The Search for Identity and Belonging
Eugene grapples with his sense of self, feeling isolated and haunted by memories, trying to recover what he was part of.
The Power of Memory and the Past
Eugene's clairvoyant memory brings back vivid sensations from his childhood, shaping his present consciousness.
Alienation and Loneliness
Eugene experiences full delight in loneliness, feels walled by imagination, and is severed from former friendships.
The American Dream and Materialism
Eliza's financial success and property improvements reflect the pursuit of material security and the American Dream.
Characters to notice
- Eugene Gant
Reflects on his philosophy of Chance, his loneliness, and his physical growth; recalls past memories and sensations.
- Eliza Gant
Her inbrooding nature influences Eugene; she has recovered from illnesses, paid off Dixieland, and made extensive renovations.
- Oliver Gant
His expanding outward nature influences Eugene; he jointly owns the shop on the Square with Eliza.
- Max Isaacs
Former neighborhood friend of Eugene, now a distant association.
- Harry Tarkinton
Former neighborhood friend of Eugene, now a distant association.
- Pett Pentland
Mentioned in Eugene's memory of the old house on Central Avenue, associated with dullness and misery.
Key passages
“The prison walls of self had closed entirely round him; he was walled completely by the esymplastic power of his imagination”
Eugene felt completely enclosed within his own mind, isolated by the shaping force of his imagination.
Highlights Eugene's profound loneliness and self-imposed isolation.
“He was the haunter of himself, trying for a moment to recover what he had been part of.”
He felt like a ghost haunting his own past, attempting to reclaim moments he had once lived.
Reflects the theme of memory and the struggle to connect with one's own history.
“The seed of our destruction will blossom in the desert, the alexin of our cure grows by a mountain rock”
The cause of our ruin may arise from barren places, while the remedy for our ills may come from unexpected sources.
Illustrates Eugene's belief in Chance and the interconnectedness of all events.