National Avenue · Chapter
Chapter XXIV explained
Dan Oliphant reflects on his father's health and final words of blessing and advice, while the city undergoes rapid transformation driven by industrial progress and destruction of old landmarks.
What happens
Dan Oliphant reflects on his father's health and final words of blessing and advice, while the city undergoes rapid transformation driven by industrial progress and destruction of old landmarks. Dan's father dies, and Dan continues his ambitious projects, including the park system and the demolition of National Avenue, causing tension with his brother Harlan and the old families.
Themes in this chapter
Progress and Destruction
Dan's urban development projects, including the razing of National Avenue and the construction of the Ornaby Four building, symbolize the tension between progress and the destruction of the old city.
Change and Loss
The death of Mr. Oliphant and the vanishing of old families and landmarks reflect the theme of change and loss as the city modernizes.
Generation and Legacy
Dan's father's final words and blessing, along with Dan's park system, highlight the passing of legacy from one generation to the next.
Characters to notice
- Dan Oliphant
Reflects on his father's health and final words, continues his ambitious urban development projects, and remains impervious to criticism.
- Harlan Oliphant
Criticizes Dan's destruction of National Avenue and the old neighborhood, aligning with Martha Shelby on the matter.
- Mrs. Savage
Mentioned as grandma Savage, whose opinion Harlan invokes to criticize Dan's changes to the town.
- Martha Shelby
Shares Harlan's view on the destruction of National Avenue, though she had not previously shown interest in it.
- Mr. Shelby
Listed among the 'old conservative business men' who shake their heads at the new developments.
Key passages
“he had said;—and that night, on the train to which he had hurried after their drive, Dan thought about his father often.”
Dan frequently thought of his father after their drive, especially on the train that night.
Dan's concern for his father's health grows after their last conversation.
“You’re ruining the one decent thing the city possessed—a splendid, dignified old street.”
Harlan accuses Dan of destroying the city's finest old street.
Harlan's criticism of Dan's urban development reflects the conflict between preservation and progress.
“It’ll be a great thing for the city. It’s a great thing for you to do and to be remembered by.”
Mr. Oliphant praises Dan's park system as a worthy legacy.
Mr. Oliphant's approval of Dan's work underscores the theme of legacy.