# National Avenue explained — National Avenue

> Chapter companion for National Avenue by Booth Tarkington.

## What happens

Dan Oliphant's marriage to Lena McMillan is met with disapproval from his family, particularly his mother and grandmother, Mrs. Savage. The couple moves into a house on National Avenue, where Lena struggles with the provincial life and Dan's family expectations. Tensions rise as Lena feels alienated and Dan becomes increasingly absorbed in his work and family obligations.

## Themes in this chapter

### Marriage and Alienation

Dan and Lena's marriage is marked by family disapproval and Lena's sense of isolation in her new home.

### Home and Belonging

National Avenue represents a new home for Lena, but she struggles to find a sense of belonging amidst family tensions.

## Character check-ins

### Dan Oliphant

Marries Lena McMillan and moves to National Avenue, facing family disapproval and marital strain.

### Lena McMillan

Newly married to Dan, feels out of place in the provincial setting and struggles with Dan's family.

### Mrs. Savage

Dan's grandmother, disapproves of the marriage and expresses her concerns.

### Mrs. Oliphant

Dan's mother, shares her disapproval of Lena and the marriage.

## Key lines

> Dan Oliphant married Lena McMillan in the face of his family's disapproval.

Dan wed Lena despite his family's objections.

_Summarizes the central conflict of the chapter._

## Links

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