The Adventures of Sally · Chapter
XII: Some Letters for Ginger explained
Sally writes to Ginger from various locations in England, describing her encounters with Fillmore and Bruce Carmyle, her impressions of Monk's Crofton, her work at Laurette et Cie., and her eventual decision to return to America after a fal
What happens
Sally writes to Ginger from various locations in England, describing her encounters with Fillmore and Bruce Carmyle, her impressions of Monk's Crofton, her work at Laurette et Cie., and her eventual decision to return to America after a falling out with Carmyle's family.
Themes in this chapter
Social Mobility and Bohemianism
Sally contrasts the grandeur of Monk's Crofton with her own working life, and Mr. Faucitt's dream of returning to the countryside.
Family Obligation and Conflict
Sally feels judged by Carmyle's family and ultimately leaves in disgrace, while also dealing with Fillmore's schemes.
Identity and Pretense
Sally reflects on her role at Laurette et Cie. and her discomfort in high society, hinting at her true self.
Characters to notice
- Sally Nicholas
Narrates the chapter through letters to Ginger, expressing homesickness, discomfort with Carmyle's family, and a resolve to return to America.
- Ginger Kemp
The recipient of Sally's letters; she references his past advice and their ongoing connection.
- Fillmore Nicholas
Sally's brother, who appears in London and at Monk's Crofton, promoting theatrical schemes and a boxing match.
- Bruce Carmyle
Hosts Sally at Monk's Crofton; his family's disapproval leads to Sally's departure.
- Mr. Maxwell Faucitt
Sally works at his shop, Laurette et Cie., and he dreams of buying a country property.
- Uncle Donald
Mentioned as part of Carmyle's family, with a moustache that Sally finds deliberate.
Key passages
“Fillmore talked Broadway without a pause, till by the time he had worked his way past the French pastry and was lolling back, breathing a little stertorously, waiting for the coffee and liqueurs, he had got me so homesick that, if it hadn't been that I didn't want to make a public exhibition of myself, I should have broken down and howled.”
Fillmore's nonstop talk about Broadway made Sally intensely homesick, and she nearly cried in public.
Highlights Sally's emotional struggle and her connection to New York.
“It's cowardly to skulk about over here. Besides, I'm feeling so much better that I believe I can face the ghosts.”
Sally decides to stop hiding in England and return to America, feeling stronger now.
Shows Sally's resolve to confront her past.