National Avenue · Chapter
XXVIII explained
Dan finds Henry drunk in a restaurant and decides to sell his car.
What happens
Dan finds Henry drunk in a restaurant and decides to sell his car. When he returns home, Lena confronts him hysterically, blaming the town for Henry's behavior and demanding to leave with their son, leading to a violent argument.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Alienation
Lena's hysterical outburst reveals deep alienation from Dan and her hatred of their life together, culminating in a locked door and emotional separation.
Ambition and Failure
Dan's realization that he made a 'terrible mistake' with Henry's car and upbringing underscores his failure as a parent and the collapse of his hopes for his son.
Characters to notice
- Dan Oliphant
Searches for Henry, finds him drunk, decides to sell the car, and argues with Lena about Henry's upbringing.
- Lena McMillan
Confronts Dan hysterically, blaming the town for Henry's behavior and demanding to leave with Henry.
- Mrs. Oliphant
Hears the commotion and calls up from the hall, asking what is the matter.
Key passages
“I made a terrible mistake to give it to him. We’ve both made a mistake the way we’ve raised him.”
Dan admits that giving Henry the car was a mistake and that their parenting has been wrong.
Dan reflects on his failure as a father and the consequences of their indulgence.
“I’ve hated it every instant of all these silly, wasted years I’ve been pent up here.”
Lena declares she has hated every moment of her life in this town.
Lena's pent-up resentment explodes, revealing her deep unhappiness with their home.