Riders of the Purple Sage · Chapter
XIII: Solitude and Storm explained
Venters awakens in Surprise Valley to a peaceful morning, observing Bess's transformation into a graceful woman.
What happens
Venters awakens in Surprise Valley to a peaceful morning, observing Bess's transformation into a graceful woman. They spend idle days wandering the valley, bonding with nature and each other. As a violent storm approaches, Bess reveals her fear of canyon storms, and they prepare together. The storm unleashes fierce winds, lightning, and thunder, with Bess clinging to Venters as the gale produces an eerie sound known as 'Oldring's knell.'
Themes in this chapter
Wilderness and Freedom
Surprise Valley is depicted as a wild, beautiful sanctuary where Venters and Bess live free from societal constraints, finding peace and connection in nature.
Love and Sacrifice
The growing bond between Venters and Bess is evident in their shared idyllic days and her reliance on him during the storm, hinting at deepening affection and mutual care.
Characters to notice
- Venters
Awakens in Surprise Valley, enjoys idyllic days with Bess, and faces the approaching storm with curiosity rather than fear.
- Bess
Now fully recovered, she shows feminine grace and beauty, tames animals, and expresses deep fear of canyon storms, clinging to Venters during the gale.
- Ring
One of the dogs that accompanies Venters and Bess during their wanderings and huddles close during the storm.
- Whitie
The other dog that roams with the pair and seeks shelter near them as the storm intensifies.
Key passages
“The solitude he had hated when alone he had now come to love.”
Venters, who once despised being alone, now cherishes the peace of isolation.
Highlights Venters's transformation and growing appreciation for the valley's solitude.
“She fitted harmoniously into that wonderful setting; she was like Surprise Valley—wild and beautiful.”
Bess seemed perfectly at home in the valley, embodying its untamed and lovely nature.
Emphasizes Bess's integration with the natural environment and her emerging femininity.
“It was the grief and agony of the gale. A knell of all upon which it blew!”
The wind's sound was like a mournful death toll for everything in its path.
Captures the eerie and ominous quality of the storm, known as Oldring's knell.