Manhattan Transfer · Chapter
VI: Five Statutory Questions explained
Ellen Thatcher encounters a drunken Stan Emery, who has impulsively married a woman named Pearline, at a roofgarden.
What happens
Ellen Thatcher encounters a drunken Stan Emery, who has impulsively married a woman named Pearline, at a roofgarden. She dances with Harry Goldweiser, who proposes marriage. Meanwhile, Jimmy Herf meets his down-and-out cousin Joe Harland near the Aquarium, and they discuss ambition, family, and the war.
Themes in this chapter
American Dream and Ambition
Joe Harland warns Jimmy Herf to be ambitious for his mother's sake, contrasting Jimmy's disillusionment with the pursuit of success.
Love and Marriage
Stan Emery's impulsive marriage to Pearline and Harry Goldweiser's proposal to Ellen highlight contrasting views on marriage.
Illusion and Performance
Ellen's internal turmoil contrasts with her social performance; the theater discussion emphasizes the elusive nature of public success.
Characters to notice
- Ellen Thatcher
Dines and dances with Harry Goldweiser, is shocked by Stan Emery's sudden marriage, and receives a marriage proposal from Goldweiser.
- Stan Emery
Appears drunk at the roofgarden with his new wife Pearline, having impulsively married her during a trip.
- Harry Goldweiser
Courts Ellen at dinner and proposes marriage, expressing his infatuation and desire to help her career.
- Jimmy Herf
Walks by the Aquarium, meets his cousin Joe Harland, and discusses his dissatisfaction with his reporting job and his ambition.
- Joe Harland
Found destitute by Jimmy Herf; reminisces about Jimmy's mother Lily and asks for money for food.
Key passages
“Oh Ellie I’m so glad to see you. … I’ve been on the most exordinately spectacular trip, honestly you should have come. … We went to Montreal and Quebec and came back through Niagara Falls and we never drew a sober breath from the time we left little old New York till they arrested us for speeding on the Boston Post Road, did we Pearline?”
Stan Emery greets Ellen enthusiastically, describing a wild, drunken trip through Montreal, Quebec, and Niagara Falls that ended with a speeding arrest.
Stan reveals his impulsive marriage and reckless behavior.
“Elaine … honest I thought I was a wise guy. … but I aint. … You’ve got me goin little girl and I hate to admit it. … Why cant you like me a little bit? I’d like … us to get married as soon as you get your decree.”
Harry Goldweiser confesses his vulnerability to Ellen and proposes marriage once her divorce is finalized.
Goldweiser's proposal contrasts with Stan's chaotic marriage.
“Poor dear Lily was so proud of you. … She wanted you to be a great man, she was so ambitious for you. … You dont want to forget your mother Jimmy. She was the only friend I had in the whole damn family.”
Joe Harland urges Jimmy to honor his mother's ambitions and not waste his potential.
Harland's plea underscores the theme of ambition and family legacy.