National Avenue · Chapter
Chapter XXII explained
Martha reflects on Dan's absence and her feelings, while her father Mr.
What happens
Martha reflects on Dan's absence and her feelings, while her father Mr. Shelby returns home furious about a confrontation with Dan over the streetcar line through Ornaby Addition. Martha defends Dan, but her father's cryptic remarks about her standing up for him unsettle her. Later, at a social event, the strained dynamic between Dan, Martha, and Harlan is evident, and Martha realizes Harlan is a constant companion but Dan remains at the heart of her thoughts.
Themes in this chapter
Progress and Destruction
The conflict over the streetcar line through Ornaby Addition symbolizes the clash between individual ambition and communal progress, with Dan's aggressive expansion threatening established order.
Marriage and Alienation
Martha's unspoken feelings for Dan and her habitual relationship with Harlan highlight the alienation and unfulfilled expectations surrounding marriage and companionship.
Characters to notice
- Martha Shelby
Sensitive and conflicted, Martha feels hurt by Dan's neglect but defends him to her father; she is aware of her deepening habit with Harlan and her lingering feelings for Dan.
- Mr. Shelby
Irritable and angry after a confrontation with Dan about the streetcar line, he criticizes Martha for standing up for Dan and hints at hidden knowledge about Dan's treatment of her.
- Dan Oliphant
Shown as confident and defiant in his business dealings with Mr. Shelby, but awkward and evasive with Martha at the social event, suggesting guilt or discomfort.
- Harlan Oliphant
Martha's faithful escort, with whom she has fallen into a habitual relationship; he is present at the dinner and the social event, but Martha realizes he is not the center of her thoughts.
- Lena McMillan
Present at the social event, she smiles mysteriously at Dan across the table, contributing to the tension between Dan and Martha.
Key passages
“Martha had said that Dan’s remaining away “didn’t hurt—not exactly”; and by this she meant to give Harlan the impression that she was less than hurt; but such a denial, thus qualified, means in truth more than hurt.”
Martha claimed Dan's absence didn't really hurt, but her careful wording actually revealed deeper pain.
Martha's internal conflict about Dan's neglect is introduced, showing her attempt to downplay her feelings.
““Until he quits bein’ a hog!” the old man returned violently. “He seems to think the best men in this town got nothin’ on earth to do but spend their time buildin’ up his property for him and makin’ it more valuable, all for his benefit.””
Mr. Shelby angrily accused Dan of being selfish, expecting others to enrich him without sharing the benefits.
Highlights the business conflict and Mr. Shelby's resentment toward Dan's perceived greed.
“She did not sigh because she was sorry he had come; it was because she had just realized how much more his brother was still the heart of her thoughts than was this faithful and constant escort.”
Martha sighed not from regret at Harlan's arrival, but from the realization that Dan still occupied her thoughts more than Harlan did.
Reveals Martha's emotional truth: her habitual companionship with Harlan cannot replace her deeper feelings for Dan.