At Geisenheimer's explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Loneliness and Connection

  The narrator feels blue and restless in New York, but finds a sense of purpose by helping the country couple reconnect.

• The Contrast Between City and Country

  The chapter highlights the clash between Charlie's metropolitan aspirations and his wife's longing for home, ultimately resolved by their return to the country.

• Deception and Secrets

  The narrator swaps tickets to ensure Mrs. Ferris wins the cup, a secret manipulation that leads to a happy outcome.

Characters to notice

• Izzy Baermann

  The manager at Geisenheimer's who organizes the dancing contest and gives out tickets.

• Mary Campbell

  The narrator, a professional dancer at Geisenheimer's, who feels homesick and helps Mrs. Ferris win the contest.

Key passages

• “I want to go back, I want to go back To the place where I was born. Far away from harm With a milk-pail on my arm.”

  The song expresses a longing to return to a simple, rural birthplace, away from danger.

  The narrator reflects on the homesick quality of the tune, which resonates with her own feelings.

• “If an elephant had come into Geisenheimer's and asked me to dance I'd have had to do it.”

  The narrator feels obligated to dance with anyone who asks, even if it's an elephant.

  This illustrates her professional duty as a dancer at Geisenheimer's.

• “I suppose the fellow who wrote that would have called for the police if anyone had ever really tried to get him on to a farm, but he has certainly put something into the tune which makes you think he meant what he said.”

  The songwriter likely wouldn't actually want to live on a farm, but the music convincingly conveys a genuine longing for rural life.

  The narrator comments on the irony of the song's sentiment versus reality.