Themes & patterns

The book contrasts the growth of the city and the 'New Materialism' with the destruction of old neighborhoods, stately homes, and traditional ways of life, portraying progress as a violent, unstoppable force that both builds and ruins.

The Oliphant brothers embody different social standings within the same family, with Harlan representing aristocratic stateliness and Dan representing a more democratic, energetic spirit, while the McMillan family's snobbery and the Savage will highlight class tensions.

Dan Oliphant's relentless drive to develop Ornaby Addition and his visionary optimism are central, but the narrative also explores his financial struggles, the skepticism of others, and the personal costs of his ambition, including his eventual loss of control.

Dan's marriage to Lena McMillan is marked by cultural conflict and emotional distance, as Lena feels trapped in the 'provincial' West and eventually leaves him, highlighting the failure of their union despite Dan's devotion.

The concept of 'home' is explored through Dan's deep attachment to his city and family house, contrasted with Lena's sense of exile and Harlan's disdain for the place, reflecting differing ideas of identity and rootedness.

The narrative mourns the loss of a romantic, slower-paced past—symbolized by old houses, trees, and community—as the city transforms into a smoky, crowded, and impersonal modern metropolis.

Women like Martha Shelby and Lena McMillan navigate limited roles, with Martha exerting quiet influence and Lena rebelling against her husband's world, while the will and family dynamics reveal how women's agency is constrained by male-dominated structures.

The story examines generational conflict, from old Mrs. Savage's controlling will to Dan's hopes for his son Henry, and the tension between inherited wealth, personal ambition, and the desire to leave a lasting mark.