Oil! · Chapter
IX explained
After a chaotic meeting at Prospect Hill where a fight breaks out between Mr.
What happens
After a chaotic meeting at Prospect Hill where a fight breaks out between Mr. Sahm and Mr. Hank, Bunny's father decides to leave and pursue another lease. Bunny desperately searches for Paul Watkins, whom he had just met, but cannot find him. He is heartbroken, reflecting on Paul's honesty and integrity, and feels ashamed of his own past lies.
Themes in this chapter
Oil and Capitalism
The chaotic lease meeting and Dad's pursuit of another lease highlight the cutthroat nature of the oil business.
Idealism vs. Pragmatism
Bunny's admiration for Paul's honesty and refusal of money contrasts with his father's pragmatic, profit-driven approach.
Deception and Truth
Bunny reflects on his own past lies, feeling ashamed in light of Paul's uprightness.
Characters to notice
- Bunny Ross
Desperately searches for Paul after the meeting, feeling ashamed and heartbroken at his disappearance.
- Dad Ross
Decides to abandon the lease deal after the fight and plans to pursue another lease.
- Paul Watkins
Disappears after the meeting, leaving Bunny distraught; he had refused Bunny's offer of money.
- Mr. Sahm
Involved in a physical altercation with Mr. Hank during the meeting.
- Mr. Hank
Involved in a physical altercation with Mr. Sahm during the meeting.
Key passages
“There was a general appearance as if everybody in the room were fighting; but that could not have been the case, for there were several left to separate Messrs. Sahm and Hank, and to shove them into opposite corners.”
It looked like everyone was fighting, but actually only Mr. Sahm and Mr. Hank were brawling, and others had to pull them apart.
Describes the chaotic scene at the lease meeting.
“Paul was gone! He might never see Paul again! And oh, such a wonderful boy! Such a wise boy—he knew so many things! A clear-sighted boy, and so interesting to talk to! And an honest boy—he wouldn't lie or steal!”
Bunny is devastated that Paul has disappeared, idealizing him as wise, interesting, and honest.
Bunny's internal lament after losing track of Paul.