The Adventures of Sally · Chapter
II explained
Sally Nicholas confronts her brother Fillmore outside their boardinghouse after he sneaks away from a party, criticizing his pretensions and lack of self-awareness.
What happens
Sally Nicholas confronts her brother Fillmore outside their boardinghouse after he sneaks away from a party, criticizing his pretensions and lack of self-awareness. Their argument reveals Fillmore's ambitions and Sally's sharp wit. The encounter is interrupted by Gerald Foster, an Englishman, who greets Sally warmly, and Fillmore takes the opportunity to leave. Sally and Gerald then share a moment, with Sally inviting him to tell her everything.
Themes in this chapter
Family Obligation and Conflict
Sally and Fillmore's argument highlights the tension between family loyalty and personal ambition, as Fillmore wants to distance himself from his past and Sally criticizes his pretensions.
Ambition and Enterprise
Fillmore's aspirations to be a 'big man' and his talk of a 'deal' reflect the theme of ambition, while Sally's skepticism underscores the gap between dreams and reality.
Social Mobility and Bohemianism
The boardinghouse setting and the characters' references to their past struggles illustrate the theme of social mobility, as Fillmore tries to leave behind his bohemian past.
Characters to notice
- Sally Nicholas
Confronts her brother Fillmore about his behavior, showing her sharp tongue and protective nature. She is affectionate with Gerald Foster.
- Fillmore Nicholas
Sneaks away from the party and is berated by Sally. He defends his ambitions and feels misunderstood, but is intimidated by Sally.
- Gerald Foster
Arrives on the scene and greets Sally warmly. He is described as an Englishman in his mid-twenties, good-looking, and appears to be someone who 'gets there.'
Key passages
“Sally had just finished telling her brother Fillmore what a pig he was.”
Sally had just scolded her brother Fillmore for his behavior.
Opening line sets the tone for the sibling conflict.
“One's friends …" "Oh, friends ," said Fillmore.”
Sally mentions friends, but Fillmore dismisses the idea, implying that these people are not true friends.
Highlights Fillmore's desire to distance himself from his past acquaintances.
“I shall find my place in the world," he said sulkily.”
Fillmore asserts that he will succeed in life, though he says it with resentment.
Shows Fillmore's ambition and his frustration with Sally's lack of belief in him.