XV explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Love and Companionship in Later Life

  Roger and Helen, both older, marry and look forward to a shared future.

• Freedom and the Open Road

  The journey with Parnassus and the plan to travel with Peg symbolize freedom.

• The Transformative Power of Books

  Roger's mission to 'preach the love of books' and the plan to write a book together.

Characters to notice

• Roger Mifflin

  Proposes to Helen, marries her, and returns to Sabine Farm.

• Helen McGill

  Accepts Roger's proposal, marries him, and returns to Sabine Farm.

• Andrew McGill

  Surprised by the marriage, but eventually accepts it.

• Bock

  Curled up against Roger's leg during the rainy ride.

• Peg

  Pulls the van; mentioned as part of the happy trio.

• Reverend Kane

  Marries Roger and Helen.

Key passages

• “Instead of driving back through Port Vigor, we turned into a side road leading up over the hill and across the heath where the air came fresh and sweet from the sea.”

  They took a detour through a scenic hill road instead of returning directly through Port Vigor.

  Sets the scene for the proposal.

• “Helen,” he said. “Will you marry me? I’m not rich, but I’ve saved up enough to live on. We’ll always have Parnassus, and this winter we’ll go and live in Brooklyn and write the book. And we’ll travel around with Peg, and preach the love of books and the love of human beings.”

  Roger proposes, promising a life of modest means but rich in books, travel, and love.

  Central proposal moment.

• “Let’s go up to Mr. Kane and have him marry us. Then we can get back to Sabine Farm afterward, and give Andrew a surprise.”

  Helen suggests they get married immediately by Reverend Kane and then surprise Andrew at the farm.

  Helen takes initiative in the marriage plan.

• “Let me introduce my wife,” said Roger. “Well, I’ll be damned,” said Andrew.”

  Roger introduces Helen as his wife, shocking Andrew.

  The surprise reunion at Sabine Farm.