XV explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Class Struggle and Labor

  Vee's outburst against the Jewish clothing worker's daughter reveals deep class antagonism and the threat of working-class consciousness to the wealthy.

• Deception and Truth

  The newspaper invents a romantic triangle scandal, showing how media distorts reality for sensationalism.

• Family and Morality

  Bunny and Vee's reconciliation underscores the fragility of love amid social pressures, and Bunny's reflections on not introducing women to each other.

Characters to notice

• Bunny Ross

  Drives Vee home after the altercation, tries to reason with her about class consciousness, and later comforts her.

• Vee Tracy

  Furious after being insulted by a Jewish clothing worker's daughter, breaks down crying, and later accuses the girl of being in love with Bunny.

• Eunice Hoyt

  Mentioned as having previously said that sisters don't make such a fuss over brothers, implying Ruth's feelings for Paul.

• Henrietta Ashleigh

  Mentioned as someone Vee believed was desperately in love with Bunny due to her pride of caste.

• Ruth Watkins

  Mentioned as a poor country lass Vee thinks is pining for Bunny, though Bunny believes she is wrapped up in Paul.

• Aunt Allie

  Mentioned as having said the same thing as Eunice about sisters and brothers.

Key passages

• ““I hate those people, I hate them! They’re nasty, they’re low, they’re jealous⁠—they haven’t an idea but to take away things from people who’ve slaved to earn them.””

  Vee expresses intense hatred for working-class people, accusing them of being envious and wanting to steal from those who have worked hard.

  Highlights class prejudice and fear of redistribution.

• ““Oh, Bunny, Bunny, don’t let’s have our love killed! Don’t let’s quarrel like all the others! Bunny, I don’t care about those people, they can say anything they please to me, I’ll never mind again! I’ll apologize to that girl, I’ll let her walk on me, I’ll do anything you say! But oh, please don’t let’s stop loving each other!””

  Vee pleads with Bunny to preserve their love, offering to apologize and endure any humiliation rather than let class conflict destroy their relationship.

  Shows Vee's emotional vulnerability and prioritization of love over pride.

• ““Bunny, that girl is in love with you!” “Oh, absurd, Vee!” “Why do you say so?” “She’s never given the least sign of such a thing.” “How would you know a sign?” “But dear⁠—” “Of course she’s in love with you! How could anybody fail to be in love with you, Bunny?””

  Vee insists that the Jewish girl is in love with Bunny, and when he denies it, she argues that any woman would naturally love him.

  Illustrates Vee's jealousy and idealization of Bunny.