# I explained — One of Ours

> Chapter companion for One of Ours by Willa Cather.

## What happens

The chapter introduces the Wheeler family and their farm in Nebraska. Claude Wheeler wakes early on circus day, eager to go to Frankfort. His father Nat Wheeler is a large, jovial man who enjoys driving around the country and interacting with neighbors, while his mother is a quiet presence. Claude's brother Ralph is lazy, and the hired men Dan and Jerry are rough. Claude shows compassion for an injured mare, Molly, who was mistreated by Jerry.

## Themes in this chapter

### Rural vs. Urban Life

The contrast between the Wheeler farm's rural setting and the town of Frankfort, where Bayliss runs his business, is highlighted.

### Family and Individuality

The Wheeler family members have distinct personalities and interests, from Nat's sociability to Bayliss's prudishness and Claude's sensitivity.

### Nature and the Land

The Nebraska landscape is vividly described, and Nat Wheeler's deep connection to the land and its history is emphasized.

## Character check-ins

### Claude Wheeler

Wakes early, washes the car, and shows concern for the injured mare Molly.

### Ralph Wheeler

Claude's younger brother, reluctant to get up for the circus.

### Nat Wheeler

Claude's father, a large, easygoing man who enjoys driving around the country and interacting with neighbors.

### Mrs. Wheeler

Claude's mother, who quietly manages the household and wonders about her husband's relationship with Bayliss.

### Mahailey

The old servant, fond of Claude, starts the fire and bakes griddle cakes.

### Bayliss Wheeler

Claude's older brother, a thin, dyspeptic Prohibitionist who runs a farm implement business in Frankfort.

## Key lines

> He guessed if she could stand having these men about, could cook and wash for them, he could drive them to town!

Claude thinks that if his mother can tolerate the hired men and do their chores, he can certainly drive them to town.

_Reflects Claude's respect for his mother's hard work and his own sense of duty._

> The French saying, “Joy of the street, sorrow of the home,” was exemplified in Mr. Wheeler, though not at all in the French way.

Nat Wheeler is more cheerful and engaged outside the home than within it, but without the romantic connotations of the French saying.

_Highlights Nat Wheeler's preference for socializing over domestic life._

> Even Mrs. Wheeler, who took the men God had apportioned her for granted, wondered how Bayliss and his father could go off to conventions together and have a good time, since their ideas of what made a good time were so different.

Mrs. Wheeler accepts her family as given but is puzzled by the bond between her husband and Bayliss despite their contrasting temperaments.

_Illustrates the family dynamics and the mystery of Nat and Bayliss's relationship._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters/i
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/one_of_ours_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/one_of_ours_se/chapters