# I: Rejoicing City That Dwelt Carelessly explained — Manhattan Transfer

> Chapter companion for Manhattan Transfer by John Dos Passos.

## What happens

The chapter opens with a vivid portrayal of New York City during World War I, filled with flags, parades, and patriotic fervor. Captain James Merivale, recently returned from the war, enjoys a barber shave and a manicure before meeting a friend. Meanwhile, George Baldwin is urged by Gus McNiel and Ben Densch to pursue a political career amid post-war reconstruction. The scene shifts to the harbor, where the Mauretania arrives and a ferry carries deported radicals, singing 'The Internationale,' watched by a silent crowd and nervous police.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Violence

The chapter opens with the aftermath of World War I, featuring returning soldiers, patriotic displays, and the lingering impact of conflict.

### Social Class and Inequality

The deportation of 'undesirable aliens' and the contrast between the wealthy diners and the silent crowd highlight class tensions.

### Illusion and Performance

The patriotic flags and parades mask the underlying social unrest and the harsh realities of war and deportation.

## Character check-ins

### James Merivale

Captain James Merivale D.S.C. returns from overseas, gets a shave and manicure, and reflects on his freedom after the war.

### George Baldwin

George Baldwin is urged by Gus McNiel and Ben Densch to run for political office, discussing the post-war reconstruction and his law practice.

### Gus McNiel

Gus McNiel pressures Baldwin to consider a political career, emphasizing the publicity value for his law practice.

## Key lines

> Oh itвАЩs a long way to TipperaryвБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ Over there! Over there!

Popular wartime songs echo through the city, reflecting the patriotic mood.

_These songs were commonly sung during World War I, evoking a sense of national unity and sacrifice._

> They are sending the Reds back to Russia.вБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ Deportees.вБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ Agitators.вБ†вАКвБ†вА¶ Undesirables.

The crowd watches as suspected communists are deported on a ferry, highlighting the Red Scare.

_This reflects the post-war anti-communist sentiment and the government's crackdown on radicals._

> CвАЩest la lutte finale, groupons-nous et demain LвАЩInternationale sera le genre humain.

The deportees sing 'The Internationale,' a socialist anthem, as they are taken away.

_The song symbolizes the international workers' movement and the resistance of the deportees._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/chapters/i-rejoicing-city-that-dwelt-carelessly
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/chapters