Plum Bun · Chapter
II explained
The chapter contrasts the sisters' preferences for Saturdays (Angela) and Sundays (Virginia).
What happens
The chapter contrasts the sisters' preferences for Saturdays (Angela) and Sundays (Virginia). It details Virginia's deep love for the Sunday ritual—preparing breakfast, playing hymns, attending church—and her sense of family unity. Angela, more restless and distant, feels the pull of the family's closeness but also a growing sense of separation. The chapter ends with the family singing 'The Dying Christian,' during which Virginia senses Angela slipping away from her.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Sacrifice
The chapter centers on the Murray family's close-knit Sunday rituals, with Virginia finding her identity in service to the family and Angela beginning to feel a subtle separation.
Freedom vs. Restraint
Angela's restlessness in church and her preference for Saturdays hint at her desire for personal freedom, contrasting with Virginia's contentment within the family's structured life.
Characters to notice
- Virginia Murray
Virginia cherishes Sunday rituals, finds deep happiness in family unity, and senses Angela's growing distance.
- Angela Murray
Angela prefers Saturdays, feels restless in church, and is affected by the family's hymn singing, often retreating to the kitchen.
- Junius Murray
Junius is the patriarchal figure, a good provider, who enjoys singing bass and leading the family in hymns.
- Mattie Murray
Mattie is content in her marriage, grateful for Junius's protection, and wipes away happy tears during the family singing.
Key passages
“The magnificently solemn words: 'Vital spark of heavenly flame,' strangely appropriate minor music filled the little house with an awesome beauty which was almost palpable.”
The deeply solemn hymn, with its minor-key music, filled the small home with a nearly tangible, awe-inspiring beauty.
Describes the emotional impact of the family's hymn singing on the household.
“With her visual mind she saw them proceeding endlessly through space; there were her parents, arm in arm, and she and—but tonight and other nights she could not see Angela; it grieved her to lose sight thus of her sister, she knew she must be there, but grope as she might she could not find her.”
Virginia imagined the family moving together through eternity, but she could not picture Angela, which saddened her and signaled a growing separation.
Reveals Virginia's premonition of Angela's emotional departure from the family unit.