National Avenue · Chapter
VII explained
Dan Oliphant struggles to promote Ornaby Addition while managing his relationship with Lena McMillan.
What happens
Dan Oliphant struggles to promote Ornaby Addition while managing his relationship with Lena McMillan. He writes to Lena explaining the impossibility of a year abroad and the necessity of living in his city, causing tension. Meanwhile, Dan's appearance deteriorates as he dedicates himself to the project, and he seeks support from Mr. Joseph Kohn, who listens but remains skeptical.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Failure
Dan's relentless promotion of Ornaby Addition, despite mounting obstacles and personal sacrifice, highlights his ambition and the looming risk of failure.
Marriage and Alienation
The correspondence between Dan and Lena reveals growing misunderstandings and emotional distance, as Dan's commitment to the Addition clashes with Lena's expectations of a European honeymoon and a life elsewhere.
Characters to notice
- Dan Oliphant
Dan is deeply absorbed in promoting Ornaby Addition, neglecting his appearance and writing to Lena about the impossibility of a European honeymoon and the need to live in his city.
- Lena McMillan
Lena's letter reveals her expectation of a year abroad and her lack of interest in Ornaby Addition, causing strain in her correspondence with Dan.
- Harlan Oliphant
Harlan is referenced as having sketched Dan's shabby appearance, which is noted as not exaggerated.
- Mrs. Oliphant
Dan's mother scolds him about his unkempt appearance and urges him to reform.
- Sam Kohn
Sam Kohn listens with admiration as Dan pitches Ornaby Addition to his father, Mr. Joseph Kohn.
- Mr. Shelby
Mr. Shelby is mentioned as refusing to put a car line to Ornaby Addition, a key obstacle for Dan.
Key passages
“It seems to me you must spend a great deal of time over that Ornaby thing. Is it really so beautifully interesting as you say it is?”
Lena questions Dan's intense focus on Ornaby Addition, implying she finds it hard to believe it's as important as he claims.
Lena's letter reveals her lack of engagement with Dan's project and her preference for his attention.
“I do hope you'll arrange so that you won't need to do more out West than just oversee this Ornaby affair for a week or so every year, because I adore you and I'll want you to be with me all the time.”
Lena expects Dan to limit his involvement with Ornaby Addition to a brief annual visit, prioritizing their time together.
This highlights the fundamental disagreement between Dan's commitment to the Addition and Lena's desire for a life centered on travel and companionship.
“I would sooner cut off my right hand than let anything be a disappointment to you, Lena, and I don't know just how it happened that I didn't know before how much you were counting on spending the year in Europe.”
Dan expresses regret and confusion over Lena's expectation of a year abroad, emphasizing his desire not to disappoint her.
Dan's apology underscores the miscommunication and his sense of guilt about the situation.