Parnassus on Wheels · Chapter
Chapter VIII: The Pratts and the Road to Woodbridge explained
Helen continues her journey with Parnassus, stopping at the Pratt farm where she learns of Roger Mifflin's heroic rescue of their son Dick from a mill pond.
What happens
Helen continues her journey with Parnassus, stopping at the Pratt farm where she learns of Roger Mifflin's heroic rescue of their son Dick from a mill pond. The Pratts warmly welcome her as a friend of the Professor, but Helen feels overshadowed by his legacy and pushes on to Woodbridge that night. She takes a wrong turn, Peg loses a shoe, and she is forced to camp alone in the van during a rainy night.
Themes in this chapter
Community and Human Connection
The Pratts' warm hospitality and deep loyalty to Mifflin highlight the bonds formed through shared experiences and kindness.
Practical Wisdom vs. Intellectualism
Mifflin's heroic rescue and his ability to inspire reading in the Pratt family demonstrate the blend of practical heroism and intellectual influence.
Adventure and Self-Discovery
Helen's solo journey, her encounter with the Pratts, and her decision to push on despite the dark and rain reflect her growing independence and embrace of adventure.
Characters to notice
- Helen McGill
Narrates her journey, stops at the Pratt farm, feels overshadowed by Mifflin's influence, and camps alone after a wrong turn.
- Roger Mifflin
Recalled through the Pratts' stories as a hero who saved Dick from drowning and inspired the family's love of reading.
- Mr. Pratt
Farmer who warmly welcomes Helen, recounts Mifflin's heroic rescue of his son Dick, and expresses deep gratitude.
- Mrs. Pratt
Beulah Pratt, an excellent cook and hostess, who provides Helen with a hearty supper and lodging for the evening.
- Dick
The Pratt boy whose life was saved by Mifflin; he later compares the mongoose in The Jungle Book to the Professor.
- Bock
Helen's terrier, tied to the back of the van, later kept inside during the rainy night.
Key passages
“after all, why should he mention it? To him it was only one of a thousand adventures. As he had said angrily to Andrew, he was nothing to me, nor I to him. How could he realize that this was the first adventure I had had in the fifteen years I had been—what was it he called it?—compiling my anthology.”
Helen reflects that Mifflin likely didn't think much of their encounter, but for her it was a monumental first adventure after years of a quiet life.
Highlights Helen's sense of novelty and self-discovery.
“Well, well, said Mr. Pratt. We're glad to see any friend of the Perfessor. Sorry he's not here, too. Come right in and have a bite with us.”
Mr. Pratt warmly welcomes Helen as a friend of Mifflin, showing the strong community bonds Mifflin had built.
Illustrates the theme of community and human connection.
“Yes, ma'am, he saved that boy's life then an' no mistake. That man can read me to sleep with poetry any night he has a mind to. He's a plumb fine little firecracker, the Perfessor.”
Mr. Pratt recounts how Mifflin heroically rescued his son Dick from drowning, cementing his admiration for the bookseller.
Demonstrates Mifflin's practical heroism and the deep gratitude of the Pratt family.
“Darn the Redbeard, I said to myself, I think he has bewitched these people!”
Helen feels frustrated that she is still living in Mifflin's shadow, as the Pratts can't stop talking about him.
Shows Helen's desire for her own identity and independence.
“I saw no alternative but to stay where I was for the night. This was not very pleasant, but the adventures of the day had put me into a stoical frame of mind, and I saw no good in repining.”
After Peg loses a shoe and takes a wrong turn, Helen accepts her situation and prepares to camp alone in the van.
Reflects Helen's growing resilience and adaptability.
