National Avenue · Chapter
XXI explained
Dan avoids visiting Martha after her return, leading to tense silence between him and Lena.
What happens
Dan avoids visiting Martha after her return, leading to tense silence between him and Lena. Weeks later, on a hot Sunday, Dan's parents visit and praise a 'carpenter shop' he built for young Henry, who rebels against Sunday-school. Harlan and Martha arrive from church; Martha greets Dan cordially but warns him about rivals trying to take Ornaby Addition. Henry demands attention with failed somersaults. Later, Harlan and Martha discuss Lena's jealousy, Mrs. Savage's will, and the possibility that Mrs. Savage hoped Dan would eventually marry Martha.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Alienation
Dan and Lena's marriage is strained by silence, jealousy, and Dan's fear of visiting Martha.
Home and Belonging
Martha's return highlights her place in the community and the tension it creates in Dan's household.
Generation and Legacy
Mrs. Savage's will and her hopes for Dan's future with Martha reflect generational influence and legacy.
Characters to notice
- Dan Oliphant
Avoids Martha after her return, builds a carpenter shop for Henry, becomes embarrassed when meeting Martha, and shows signs of middle-age.
- Lena McMillan
Maintains inscrutable silence with Dan, shows faintly amused contempt, and makes a remark about Martha's accent.
- Martha Shelby
Returns from Italy, greets Dan cordially, warns him about rivals for Ornaby Addition, and later discusses Lena's jealousy with Harlan.
- Harlan Oliphant
Walks with Martha from church, discusses Lena's jealousy and Mrs. Savage's will, and reveals his own fears about Martha's feelings for Dan.
- Mrs. Oliphant
Visits with her husband, praises the carpenter shop, and chides Henry for refusing to shake hands.
- Mr. Shelby
Mentioned as Dan's father, who comments on Mrs. Savage's possible agnosticism and the change in child-rearing.
Key passages
“Dan did not go next day to bid the returned neighbour welcome home—he thought it better to postpone the call of greeting he should have made at once.”
Dan delayed visiting Martha after her return, rationalizing that it was better to wait.
Shows Dan's avoidance and internal conflict.
“Martha was not again mentioned by either Lena or her husband; though this is only to say that she was not orally mentioned between them, but continued to be the subject of their silences.”
Lena and Dan never spoke Martha's name, but she was the unspoken focus of their tension.
Highlights the silent conflict in the marriage.
“She permitted him to perceive that she despised him, but not to understand whether she despised him because he wanted to see Martha or because he was afraid to do what he wanted.”
Lena let Dan know she held him in contempt, but kept him guessing whether it was for his desire to see Martha or his cowardice.
Illustrates Lena's manipulative control.
“He dropped Martha’s cordial hand almost as soon as he touched it, and at the same instant turned upon his wife a look of helpless apprehension that would have revealed everything, if revelation were needed.”
Dan quickly let go of Martha's hand and gave Lena a fearful look that exposed his guilt.
Shows Dan's embarrassment and fear of Lena's reaction.
“I think almost the principal reason was because I’m so tall.”
Martha believes Lena's jealousy stems from her own short stature compared to Martha's height.
Reveals Martha's insight into Lena's insecurities.
