National Avenue · Chapter
XVIII explained
Dan Oliphant refuses financial help from his family after his grandmother's will, insisting on building Ornaby Addition himself.
What happens
Dan Oliphant refuses financial help from his family after his grandmother's will, insisting on building Ornaby Addition himself. His parents try to persuade Harlan to assist, but Dan's pride and Harlan's principles create tension. Meanwhile, Dan's optimism and salesmanship begin to attract buyers, leading to the first house in Ornaby Addition.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Failure
Dan's relentless optimism and refusal to accept help contrast with the family's perception of his venture as risky, highlighting the tension between ambition and potential failure.
Social Class and Family
The Oliphant family's struggle over money and inheritance reveals class dynamics and familial obligations, as Dan's pride clashes with his parents' desire to maintain family unity.
Generation and Legacy
Mrs. Savage's will and Dan's reaction underscore generational conflict over trust, legacy, and the meaning of success.
Characters to notice
- Dan Oliphant
Refuses family financial help, insists on building Ornaby Addition independently, and shows optimism despite his grandmother's lack of faith.
- Harlan Oliphant
Resists pressure to help Dan financially, maintaining his principles and feeling badgered by his parents' indirect appeals.
- Mrs. Oliphant
Anxiously tries to devise ways to persuade Harlan to help Dan, but her plans are repeatedly thwarted by her husband's realism.
- Mr. Shelby
Referred to as 'dry old Mr. Shelby' in the context of the parents' discussions.
- Lena McMillan
Becomes more tolerant of Dan after the will reading, but represses her feelings and devotes herself to her baby, refusing to accompany Dan on Sunday walks.
- Martha Shelby
Harlan discusses Dan's success with her; she suggests that Harlan's disbelief in Dan's success is stranger than Dan's optimism.
Key passages
“But why don't you think of a way that would do?”
Mrs. Oliphant asks her husband why he can't come up with a plan that works.
Reflects her frustration and the couple's inability to persuade Harlan.
“Not a penny!”
Dan refuses any financial help from his family.
Highlights Dan's pride and independence.
“Every Ornaby buyer is an Ornaby booster.”
Dan's slogan for his real estate development, promoting the idea that buyers become advocates.
Illustrates Dan's promotional mindset and optimism.