The Autobiography of an Idea · Chapter
X: Farewell to Boston explained
Louis Sullivan reflects on his transition from childhood imagination to intellectual maturity during his time at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
What happens
Louis Sullivan reflects on his transition from childhood imagination to intellectual maturity during his time at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Under the tutelage of John A. Tompson, he learns the technical structure of music, which diminishes his earlier mystical awe. He experiences the Great Fire of Boston, drills with the M.I.T. battalion, and observes social hypocrisy. At Tech, he studies under Professor William R. Ware and assistant Eugene Letang. After deciding to gain practical experience before attending the École des Beaux Arts, he visits Richard M. Hunt in New York and then travels to Philadelphia, where he boldly presents himself to architect Frank Furness for employment, enduring Furness's harsh critique of academic training.
Themes in this chapter
Childhood and Development
Louis experiences the eclipse of childhood imagination by intellectual sophistication, yet recognizes that childhood remains sequestered within and influences maturity.
Education and Learning
Louis's transition from mystical appreciation to technical understanding at M.I.T., and his subsequent rejection of academic formalism in favor of practical experience with Furness.
Individual vs. Society
Louis observes social hypocrisy and caste, influenced by his mother's vehement contempt for pretense, and asserts his own will in seeking employment with Furness.
Characters to notice
- Louis Henri Sullivan
The protagonist, now a student at M.I.T., navigating the loss of childhood wonder and seeking practical architectural experience.
- John A. Tompson
Louis's tutor in Wakefield, who systematically replaces Louis's mystical appreciation of music with technical knowledge.
- Professor William R. Ware
Head of the School of Architecture at M.I.T., described as a gentleman of the old school with moderate attainments and quiet common sense.
- Eugene Letang
Assistant to Professor Ware, a diplomé of the École des Beaux Arts and former student of Emil Vaudremer.
- Richard M. Hunt
The architectural dean in New York, who encourages Louis and shares his own Paris experiences.
- Frank Furness
Philadelphia architect with a distinctive red beard and abrasive personality, who harshly criticizes Louis's academic background but ultimately agrees to employ him.
Key passages
“The dreams of childhood—that form of mystical illumination which enables the little one to see that upon which the eyes of its elders seldom focus—were thereby eclipsed; and, in one less romantic and willful by nature, would have vanished permanently from active consciousness in the usual and customary way.”
Louis's childhood dreams, which gave him a unique mystical insight, were overshadowed by his growing intellect, though a less determined person might have lost them entirely.
Reflects the theme of childhood and development, showing the tension between imagination and rational education.
“He dispelled for him the music-world of enchantment wherein simple faith had seen the true substance and value of results; he substituting therefor a world of fact and technique.”
John A. Tompson replaced Louis's enchanted view of music with a focus on technical facts and methods.
Illustrates the shift from wonder to analytical understanding under Tompson's influence.
“Louis agreed to the ignorance; demurred as to conceit; and added that he belonged to that rare class who were capable of learning, and desired to learn.”
Louis admitted he knew little but denied being arrogant, claiming instead to be among those eager and able to learn.
Shows Louis's self-assurance and diplomatic response to Furness's harsh criticism.
