# Chapter XVIII explained — So Big

> Chapter companion for So Big by Edna Ferber.

## What happens

Dirk DeJong, now a successful businessman, seeks a commercial artist for a national advertising campaign. He contacts Dallas O'Mara, a talented and independent female artist. Despite initial friction over her fee of $1,500, Dirk is captivated by her composure, beauty, and talent. Their professional relationship begins, and Dirk finds himself increasingly drawn to her, contrasting her with his wife Paula.

## Themes in this chapter

### Beauty and Art

Dallas O'Mara's artistic talent and her approach to commercial art are central, contrasting with Dirk's business perspective. Her studio and work symbolize the intersection of beauty and commerce.

### Gender Roles and Independence

Dallas O'Mara defies traditional gender roles as a successful, independent female artist who commands respect and high fees. Dirk's initial condescension gives way to admiration.

## Character check-ins

### Dirk DeJong

Dirk is a successful Chicago businessman, handsome and confident, who hires Dallas O'Mara for an advertising illustration. He is intrigued and unsettled by her independence and composure.

### Dallas O'Mara

Dallas is a talented commercial artist from Texas, known for her distinctive style. She is composed, independent, and commands a high fee for her work, impressing Dirk with her quiet confidence.

### Pauline

Paula is Dirk's wife, who expresses guarded and unenthusiastic opinions about Dallas O'Mara, hinting at jealousy or concern.

### Ethelinda Quinn

Miss Quinn is Dirk's secretary, who appraises Dallas O'Mara's expensive and stylish attire with envy.

## Key lines

> She was more than ordinarily companionable that night; a little tired; less buoyant and independent than usual. This gave her a little air of helplessness—of fatigue—that aroused all his tenderness.

That evening, Dallas was unusually warm and slightly weary, appearing less self-reliant, which stirred Dirk's protective feelings.

_Dirk's growing emotional attachment to Dallas is evident as he interprets her fatigue as vulnerability._

> “Arrived! Heavens, no! I’ve started.”

Dallas dismisses the idea that she has reached the peak of her career, seeing her success as just the beginning.

_This reflects Dallas's ambition and her view of success as an ongoing journey, not a final destination._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/so_big_se/chapters/xviii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/so_big_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/so_big_se/chapters