The Adventures of Sally · Chapter
XIII: Strange Behaviour of a Sparring-Partner explained
Sally returns to New York and goes to the Fillmore Nicholas Theatrical Enterprises office to see Ginger, only to learn from a new office boy that Ginger no longer works there.
What happens
Sally returns to New York and goes to the Fillmore Nicholas Theatrical Enterprises office to see Ginger, only to learn from a new office boy that Ginger no longer works there. She discovers that Fillmore has gone to White Plains to watch a boxer named Bugs Butler train. Sally follows and finds Ginger acting as Butler's sparring partner. Despite her fear, she watches as Butler easily lands blows on Ginger, but then Ginger unexpectedly lands a solid punch on Butler's nose, shocking everyone.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Enterprise
Fillmore's theatrical enterprise now includes boxing promotions, showing his drive to expand his business.
Loyalty and Friendship
Sally's concern for Ginger and her determination to find him reflect her loyalty and friendship.
Characters to notice
- Sally Nicholas
Returns to New York, determined to fight for her happiness, and seeks out Ginger, only to find he has left the office.
- Ginger Kemp
No longer works at the office; is now sparring partner for Bugs Butler, enduring blows but landing a surprising punch.
- Fillmore Nicholas
Has gone to White Plains to watch Bugs Butler train; his theatrical enterprise is now involved in boxing.
- Bugs Butler
A boxer training for a fight against Lew Lucas; he is confident and easily hits Ginger but is surprised by Ginger's punch.
- The Office Boy
A new, pimpled stripling who is stern and suspicious but becomes friendly with Sally; he is knowledgeable about boxing.
Key passages
“Sally’s emotions, as she sat in her apartment on the morning of her return to New York, resembled somewhat those of a swimmer who, after wavering on a raw morning at the brink of a chill pool, nerves himself to the plunge.”
Sally felt like someone about to dive into cold water, hesitant but determined to take the plunge.
Highlights Sally's resolve to face her challenges.
“The truth shone coldly on Sally. She blamed herself for ever having gone away, and told herself that she might have known what would happen.”
Sally realized that Ginger had failed again in her absence, and she felt guilty for leaving him.
Shows Sally's self-blame and concern for Ginger.
“Of all the learned professions, pugilism is the one in which the trained expert is most sharply divided from the mere dabbler.”
Boxing is a profession where the skill gap between experts and amateurs is especially wide.
Sets up the contrast between Bugs Butler and Ginger.