National Avenue · Chapter
XVI explained
Dan Oliphant faces the imminent foreclosure of Ornaby Addition with only thirteen days to raise money.
What happens
Dan Oliphant faces the imminent foreclosure of Ornaby Addition with only thirteen days to raise money. Despite his father's doubts and his mother's gentle warnings, Dan remains defiantly optimistic, even as potential buyers wait for the foreclosure. Meanwhile, Martha Shelby departs for an extended trip with her father, and Lena has chosen Aunt Olive as godmother for baby Henry Daniel, overriding Dan's wish for Martha. Mrs. Oliphant advises Dan to accept the situation, and Dan continues to insist he will find a way to save Ornaby.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Failure
Dan's relentless optimism about Ornaby Addition clashes with the looming foreclosure, highlighting the tension between ambition and financial reality.
Marriage and Alienation
Lena's rejection of Martha as godmother and Dan's inability to consult her reveal growing marital discord and misalignment.
Home and Belonging
Martha's departure and the empty house next door symbolize the fragility of home and community ties, while Dan fights to keep Ornaby as his legacy.
Characters to notice
- Dan Oliphant
Determinedly optimistic about saving Ornaby Addition despite financial pressure and family doubts; also troubled by Lena's rejection of Martha as godmother.
- Lena McMillan
Selects Aunt Olive as godmother for Henry Daniel, causing tension with Dan over his choice of Martha.
- Martha Shelby
Departs for New York and possibly Quebec and England with her father; writes a warm farewell note to the Oliphants.
- Mrs. Oliphant
Comforts Dan, advises him to accept Lena's choice of godmother, and gently conveys the family's concern about his financial struggles.
- Mr. Shelby
Travels to New York with Martha, concerned about automobile dangers.
- Mrs. Savage
Mentioned in Martha's letter; Dan's grandmother sends for him to talk, and he visits her bedside.
Key passages
“Why, I'm not goin' to let Ornaby go any more than I am our little namesake upstairs in his cradle! I'm goin' to keep it this time and every time!”
Dan insists he will hold onto Ornaby Addition just as fiercely as he would protect his baby son.
Shows Dan's stubborn refusal to accept the possibility of failure.
“Lordy! ... That house'll look pretty empty for a while, won't it?”
Dan laments Martha's departure, feeling the loss of her presence next door.
Highlights Dan's emotional reliance on Martha's friendship.
“No. Nobody'll say a word to her about it. Don't you know Martha well enough yet to understand that she won't expect to be Henry's godmother?”
Mrs. Oliphant reassures Dan that Martha will not assume she is the godmother, so no awkward conversation is needed.
Reveals the unspoken social maneuvering around Lena's decision.