Martin Eden · Chapter
XIX explained
Martin, having returned to Oakland, spends much time with Ruth as they both recover from their respective labors.
What happens
Martin, having returned to Oakland, spends much time with Ruth as they both recover from their respective labors. Their intimacy deepens, but a rift appears when Martin confesses his past drinking and his plan to go to sea again for money. Ruth is repelled yet drawn to him, seeing him as a project for reform. Meanwhile, Mrs. Morse warns Ruth about Martin's unsuitability, and Ruth admits she enjoys being loved but does not love him in return.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Mobility
Ruth and her mother discuss Martin's lack of position and money, highlighting class barriers to their relationship.
Love and Idealism
Martin idealizes Ruth and dreams of a future with her, while Ruth enjoys being loved but does not reciprocate his feelings.
Success and Disillusionment
Martin's confession of drinking and his plan to go to sea again reveal the gap between his struggles and Ruth's expectations.
Characters to notice
- Martin Eden
Recovering from overwork, he confesses his past drinking to Ruth and plans another sea voyage for money.
- Ruth Morse
Newly graduated, she spends time with Martin, is shocked by his confession, but feels pity and a desire to reform him.
- Mrs. Morse
Warns Ruth about Martin's ineligibility and discusses the importance of a clean heritage for future children.
- Will Olney
Mentioned by Ruth as someone she hates and who hates her, contrasting with her feelings for Martin.
Key passages
““Why do you want to do that?” she asked. “Money,” was the answer. “I’ll have to lay in a supply for my next attack on the editors. Money is the sinews of war, in my case—money and patience.””
Ruth asks why Martin wants to go to sea, and he explains he needs money to fund his writing career.
Martin's pragmatic view of money as essential for his literary ambitions.
““No man that I have ever known did that—ever did that.””
Ruth says she has never known a man who drank to excess.
Ruth's shock and moral judgment upon learning of Martin's past drinking.
““I should recommend my little girl to be careful,” her mother warned her one day.”
Mrs. Morse advises Ruth to be cautious about her relationship with Martin.
Mrs. Morse's concern over Martin's unsuitability as a partner.
““There is no danger of my falling in love with Martin Eden. It would be the worst fate that could befall me.””
Ruth asserts that she will not fall in love with Martin, considering it a terrible outcome.
Ruth's denial of romantic feelings despite her enjoyment of his attention.