XXXV explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Art vs. Commerce

  Brissenden's refusal to submit 'Ephemera' to magazines highlights the conflict between pure artistic creation and the perceived corruption of commercial publishing.

• Social Class and Mobility

  Ruth's shame at Martin's association with the Silva family underscores the class barriers and stigma that Martin cannot escape despite his intellectual and artistic aspirations.

• Love and Idealism

  Martin's idealistic view of his relationship with Ruth clashes with her conventional expectations, leading to a painful revelation of their differing values.

Characters to notice

• Martin Eden

  Receives Brissenden's poem 'Ephemera' and is profoundly moved; uses Brissenden's gift of money to pay debts and treat the Silva family, causing a rift with Ruth.

• Russ Brissenden

  Shares his poem 'Ephemera' with Martin, refuses to submit it to magazines, and gives Martin a hundred-dollar bill from his winnings at the races.

• Ruth Morse

  Is hurt and ashamed when she sees Martin with the Silva family, interpreting it as a lack of pride and a sign of his working-class origins.

• Maria Silva

  Accompanies Martin and her children on a Christmas shopping spree, receiving shoes and gifts.

• Mrs. Morse

  Is shocked by the sight of Martin with the Silva family during the Christmas outing.

• Gertrude

  Receives a Christmas present from Martin, purchased with Brissenden's money.

Key passages

• “Ruth in tears⁠—passionate, angry tears⁠—was a revelation to him. The spectacle of her suffering convinced him that he had been a brute, yet in the soul of him he could not see how nor why.”

  Martin is shocked to see Ruth crying with anger and passion, and though he feels guilty for causing her pain, he genuinely cannot understand what he did wrong.

  Highlights the growing emotional and ideological divide between Martin and Ruth.

• “It was perfect art. Form triumphed over substance, if triumph it could be called where the last conceivable atom of substance had found expression in so perfect construction as to make Martin’s head swim with delight, to put passionate tears into his eyes, and to send chills creeping up and down his back.”

  Martin is overwhelmed by the flawless artistry of Brissenden's poem, feeling that its form and substance are so perfectly fused that it moves him to tears and physical chills.

  Illustrates Martin's deep appreciation for literary genius and his own sense of inferiority as a writer.

• “I’ll not have it pawed over and soiled by a lot of swine.”

  Brissenden refuses to let his poem be handled or judged by magazine editors, whom he considers contemptible and unworthy.

  Emphasizes Brissenden's disdain for commercial publishing and his protective attitude toward his art.