So Big · Chapter
Chapter XIV explained
Dirk works as a draughtsman at Hollis & Sprague, Architects in Chicago, but feels frustrated by the slow pace of his career.
What happens
Dirk works as a draughtsman at Hollis & Sprague, Architects in Chicago, but feels frustrated by the slow pace of his career. He spends weekends with Selina at the farm, where they discuss architecture and his ambitions. Dirk is increasingly drawn to Paula Arnold, whose wealthy lifestyle contrasts with his own. Selina senses his infatuation and worries about the social and financial gap. Dirk announces his desire to study architecture in the East, and Selina supports him. The chapter explores themes of ambition, class, and the tension between old and new in Chicago's architectural landscape.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Self-Fulfillment
Dirk's frustration with his slow career progress and his desire to study architecture in the East reflect his ambition for self-fulfillment, while Selina supports his dreams despite financial constraints.
Class and Social Mobility
The contrast between Dirk's modest farm life and the Arnold family's wealth highlights class differences. Selina worries about the social gap between Dirk and Paula, and Dirk feels held back by money.
Beauty and Art
The chapter extensively discusses architecture as an art form, with Dirk criticizing Chicago's buildings and Selina envisioning a native architecture that balances beauty, climate, and community needs.
Characters to notice
- Selina DeJong
Selina reflects on Pervus's absence, supports Dirk's architectural ambitions, and feels both pride and worry as Dirk becomes involved with the wealthy Arnold family.
- Dirk DeJong
Dirk works unhappily as a draughtsman, criticizes Chicago's architecture, and is infatuated with Paula Arnold. He confides in Selina about his desire to study architecture in the East.
- Paula Arnold
Paula is described as dark, slim, and vivacious, with a love of luxury. She drives a car, attends parties, and openly states she will have to marry money. Dirk is strongly attracted to her.
- Eugene Arnold
Eugene visits the farm with Paula, dressed in fashionable English-style clothes. He is part of the wealthy Arnold family.
- Julie Hempel
Julie is mentioned as the mother of Paula and Eugene, and as having hosted Dirk at Prairie Avenue parties. Selina plans to get a recipe from her.
Key passages
“Baroque was the word with which he dismissed the new Beachside Hotel, north. He said the new Lincoln Park bandstand looked like an igloo. He said that the city council ought to order the Potter Palmer mansion destroyed as a blot on the landscape, and waxed profane on the subject of the east face of the Public Library Building, down town.”
Dirk criticized the Beachside Hotel as 'baroque,' called the Lincoln Park bandstand an 'igloo,' and argued that the Potter Palmer mansion should be demolished and the Public Library's east facade was an eyesore.
Dirk expresses strong opinions about Chicago's architecture, reflecting his artistic sensibilities and frustration with the city's design.
“I'll have to marry money, she declared. Now that they've finished calling poor Grandpa a beef-baron and taken I don't know how many millions away from him, we're practically on the streets.”
Paula joked that she must marry a wealthy man because her grandfather's fortune has been diminished by legal troubles and muckraking, leaving the family nearly destitute.
Paula's comment reveals her materialism and the family's financial anxieties despite apparent wealth, highlighting class and social mobility themes.