Oil! · Chapter
Chapter X explained
Bunny and Dad visit Paradise and find Ruth Watkins deeply worried about Paul, who has been missing for five months.
What happens
Bunny and Dad visit Paradise and find Ruth Watkins deeply worried about Paul, who has been missing for five months. Dad uses his political connections to inquire about Paul through the War Department, and they learn Paul is alive in Irkutsk, Siberia. Ruth's relief is overwhelming, and she demonstrates her extensive knowledge of Siberia from studying Paul's old atlas. Bunny drives her to the library to find updated information, and they discuss the complexities of Paul's return after the war.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Morality
Ruth's intense emotional bond with Paul and Dad's paternal concern for his boss-carpenter highlight familial loyalty and moral responsibility.
War and Imperialism
The chapter references the American military presence in Siberia, the armistice, and the complexities of post-war diplomacy, reflecting the broader context of war and imperialism.
Characters to notice
- Bunny Ross
Accompanies Dad to Paradise, is shocked by Ruth's appearance, answers the phone call from Jake Coffey, catches Ruth when she faints, and drives her to the library.
- Dad Ross
Takes charge of finding Paul by calling Jake Coffey and using his political influence to get a War Department inquiry; jokes with Ruth about her geography knowledge.
- Ruth Watkins
Deeply anxious about Paul's silence, has aged visibly, faints upon hearing Paul is alive, and reveals her extensive self-taught knowledge of Siberia.
- Paul Watkins
Reported to be alive and well in Irkutsk, Siberia, after five months of no communication.
- Meelie Watkins
Comments that Ruth is setting out to be an old maid due to grieving over Paul.
- Jake Coffey
Receives Dad's call and facilitates the telegram from Congressman Leathers regarding Paul's whereabouts.
Key passages
““Oh, I know he’s dead!” Ruth declared. “Just think, it’s been five months since he went away, and don’t you know Paul would have written me a lot of letters in that time?””
Ruth is convinced Paul is dead because he hasn't written in five months.
Ruth's despair and fear for Paul's safety are central to the chapter's emotional tension.
““Look here, child,” said Dad, “the troubles you imagine is always a lot worse than the real ones. I want to know about my boss-carpenter, and I’m jist a-goin’ to!””
Dad reassures Ruth that imagined fears are worse than reality and decides to take action to find Paul.
Dad's pragmatic and decisive nature contrasts with Ruth's anxiety.
“Ruth gave a cry—she was standing by the dining table, and she grabbed at it and missed, and went swaying, and Bunny had to drop the receiver and catch her.”
Upon hearing Paul is alive, Ruth faints and Bunny catches her.
The physical reaction underscores the intensity of Ruth's relief and emotional strain.