National Avenue · Chapter
The End of Dan Oliphant explained
Dan Oliphant lies dying, attended by Martha Shelby and his brother Harlan.
What happens
Dan Oliphant lies dying, attended by Martha Shelby and his brother Harlan. In his final moments, he reflects on his failures, including the loss of Ornaby Addition, and acknowledges Harlan's help in preventing bankruptcy. Meanwhile, George McMillan returns from a failed negotiation with Lena, who refuses to return to Dan and insists on a settlement. Dan dies, leaving his family to mourn.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Failure
Dan's final reflections on his life as a 'pretty complete failure' and the loss of Ornaby Addition.
Marriage and Alienation
Lena's cold refusal to return to Dan and her description of their marriage as 'purgatory.'
Generation and Legacy
Harlan's intervention to save the Oliphant name from bankruptcy and Dan's death ending his line of ambition.
Characters to notice
- Dan Oliphant
Dying, he reflects on his failures and loss of Ornaby, but acknowledges Harlan's help.
- Harlan Oliphant
Reveals he helped Dan financially to avoid bankruptcy, driven by brotherly duty.
- Martha Shelby
Comforts Dan in his final moments and learns of Harlan's secret assistance.
- Lena McMillan
Refuses to return to Dan, demands a settlement, and is accused by George of using a quarrel as pretext.
- George McMillan
Returns from failed negotiation with Lena, reports to Harlan, and learns of Dan's decline.
- Mrs. Oliphant
Grieves at Dan's bedside and cries out when he dies.
Key passages
“I did hope I wouldn't have to be sick very long. I've got so much to do. I've done a good deal of work, but I haven't ever got anywhere with it, much.”
Dan expresses regret that his illness interrupts his unfinished work, feeling he has not achieved lasting success.
Dan's dying lament about his unfulfilled ambitions.
“I've spent quite a number of years in purgatory, trying to stick to what I undertook when he married me!”
Lena describes her marriage to Dan as a prolonged torment she endured out of obligation.
Lena's justification for leaving Dan, revealing her deep unhappiness.
“I didn't do anything that was in the slightest degree a sacrifice. I don't want you to misunderstand it. I never helped him when I thought it would be thrown away, and I didn't this time.”
Harlan downplays his financial help to Dan, insisting it was a practical investment rather than a selfless act.
Harlan's reluctant admission of helping Dan, framed as pragmatism.