So Big · Chapter
Chapter XVII explained
Selina DeJong has become a successful farmer, famous for her produce, while her son Dirk achieves financial success in Chicago but lives a narrow, monotonous life.
What happens
Selina DeJong has become a successful farmer, famous for her produce, while her son Dirk achieves financial success in Chicago but lives a narrow, monotonous life. Selina contrasts her own vibrant curiosity and engagement with the city's diverse quarters with Dirk's insular social and professional circle. She occasionally visits Chicago for 'orgies' of exploration, but declines her son's and Julie Arnold's offers of lodging, preferring hotels. Dirk's apartment, furnished with Paula's help, feels cold and cathedral-like to Selina. She remonstrates with him about his limited life, but has grown reticent. The farm thrives, and Selina serves on the school board and truck farmers' association, picking up city visitors to stay at High Prairie.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Self-Fulfillment
Selina's zest for life and curiosity contrast with Dirk's narrow ambition and treadmill existence.
Class and Social Mobility
Selina's farm success and Dirk's financial rise highlight different paths of social mobility.
The American Dream and Disillusionment
Dirk's success feels hollow and confining, while Selina finds richness in diverse experiences.
Characters to notice
- Selina DeJong
Now a famous farmer, she enjoys city adventures and criticizes Dirk's narrow life.
- Dirk DeJong
Successful Chicago businessman living a monotonous social and professional routine.
- Julie Hempel
Invites Selina to stay at the Arnold house during her city visits.
- Pauline
Helped Dirk furnish his apartment, which Selina finds uninviting.
- Ethelinda Quinn
Dirk's secretary; admires Selina's character and style.
- William Talcott
An older man at South Water Street who remembers Selina's first market day.
Key passages
“Dirk, you seem to see no one but just these people. You don’t get the full flavour of life. You’ve got to have a vulgar curiosity about people and things. All kinds of people. All kinds of things. You revolve in the same little circle, over and over and over.”
Selina tells Dirk he limits himself by only associating with a narrow set of people, missing life's richness, and urges him to cultivate a broad curiosity.
Selina's critique of Dirk's insular social life.
“I think it’s as cosy as a cathedral.”
Selina remarks that Dirk's apartment, though grand, feels cold and unwelcoming.
Selina's reaction to Dirk's furnished apartment.
“Well, you certainly made good, Mrs. DeJong. Remember the day you come here with your first load?”
William Talcott recalls Selina's first market day and acknowledges her success.
Recognition of Selina's journey from struggling farmer to successful producer.