# XIV explained — Oil!

> Chapter companion for Oil! by Upton Sinclair.

## What happens

At the premiere of Vee Tracy's new film, Bunny Ross encounters his socialist classmate Rachel Menzies, who condemns the film as war propaganda. Vee Tracy slaps Rachel after her harsh criticism, and Bunny quickly pulls Vee away to avoid a reporter.

## Themes in this chapter

### Idealism vs. Pragmatism

Bunny's idealistic impulse to treat Rachel kindly clashes with the pragmatic social pressures of the glamorous premiere.

### Deception and Truth

The film is criticized as propaganda, highlighting the tension between cinematic illusion and political reality.

### War and Imperialism

Rachel accuses the film of being propaganda to incite war with Russia, linking entertainment to imperialist agendas.

## Character check-ins

### Bunny Ross

Attends the premiere with Vee Tracy, greets Rachel Menzies, and tries to manage the confrontation.

### Vee Tracy

The star of the film, celebrated at the premiere, slaps Rachel Menzies after her criticism.

### Rachel Menzies

A socialist classmate of Bunny's who attends the premiere to see the film's portrayal of the Russian Revolution and condemns it as war propaganda.

### Schmolsky

The producer of the film, present at the premiere.

### Tommy Paley

The director of the film, present at the premiere.

## Key lines

> I think it’s the most poisonous thing I ever saw on the screen.

Rachel calls the film extremely harmful.

_Rachel's blunt condemnation of the film as dangerous propaganda._

> You bitch!

Vee insults Rachel.

_Vee's angry outburst after Rachel's criticism._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/oil_se/chapters/xiv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/oil_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/oil_se/chapters