# II explained — National Avenue

> Chapter companion for National Avenue by Booth Tarkington.

## What happens

Dan Oliphant graduates from university and spends time in New York, where he meets Lena McMillan through her brother George. Despite the McMillans' reserved hospitality, Dan is captivated by Lena and receives an invitation to a charity ball, where they dance and share a flirtatious conversation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Family

The contrast between the McMillans' reserved, Eastern hospitality and Dan's warm Midwestern family highlights class and regional differences.

### Ambition and Failure

Dan's near-failure to graduate due to his wild behavior contrasts with Harlan's academic success, reflecting themes of ambition and its pitfalls.

## Character check-ins

### Dan Oliphant

Graduates from university and enjoys New York's social scene; becomes infatuated with Lena McMillan.

### Lena McMillan

Daughter of the McMillan family; Dan finds her pretty and later dances with her at a charity ball.

### George McMillan

Lena's brother and Dan's friend; introduces Dan to the McMillan family and brings him a ball invitation.

### Harlan Oliphant

Dan's brother, mentioned as having a different accent and being more reserved.

### Mrs. McMillan

Lena's mother, described as large, stony, and reserved during Dan's visit.

## Key lines

> Last prof to hold out gave up after I talked to him all afternoon and said I could have diploma, if I would quit arguing.

Dan persuaded his final professor to grant his degree by arguing until the professor relented.

_Dan's graduation story illustrates his persuasive charm and near-failure._

> I like you!

Lena tells Dan she likes him, surprising him after her initial indifference.

_This moment marks the beginning of their romantic connection._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/national_avenue_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/national_avenue_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/national_avenue_se/chapters