The Coming of Bill · Chapter
Ruth States Her Intentions explained
Bailey Bannister, agitated by Clarence Grayling's account of Ruth's rejection, rushes to his sister's home to confront her.
What happens
Bailey Bannister, agitated by Clarence Grayling's account of Ruth's rejection, rushes to his sister's home to confront her. Ruth calmly defends her views on eugenics and her refusal to marry men she deems unfit, citing her Aunt Lora's influence. Bailey accuses Aunt Lora of poisoning Ruth's mind, but Ruth remains resolute, asserting her duty to the future of the race.
Themes in this chapter
Eugenics and Heredity
Ruth explicitly discusses eugenics, questioning the quality of children she might have with Clarence Grayling and emphasizing her duty to the future of the race.
Individualism vs. Interference
Bailey tries to interfere in Ruth's personal choices, but Ruth asserts her own will and rejects his attempts to control her.
Marriage and Companionship
Ruth's refusal of marriage proposals and her criteria for a suitable partner highlight her unconventional views on marriage.
Characters to notice
- Bailey Bannister
Rushes to confront Ruth after hearing from Clarence Grayling; fusses over Ruth's behavior and blames Aunt Lora.
- Ruth Bannister
Calmly defends her rejection of Clarence Grayling and her eugenicist views; asserts her independence and duty to the race.
- Grayling
Rabbit-faced young man who proposed to Ruth and was rejected; his story prompts Bailey's visit.
- Aunt Lora
Referenced through her photograph and Ruth's quoting of her; Bailey blames her for influencing Ruth.
Key passages
“I asked him what sort of children he thought we were likely to have if we married.”
Ruth questioned Clarence about the genetic quality of their potential offspring.
Illustrates Ruth's eugenicist reasoning for rejecting Clarence.
“A nice girl ought not to think about such things.”
Bailey believes that a proper young woman should not consider matters of heredity and reproduction.
Highlights the generational and ideological conflict between Bailey and Ruth.
“She can feel that it is her duty to bring fine children into the world.”
Ruth believes women have a moral obligation to produce healthy, superior offspring.
Reflects the eugenicist philosophy Ruth has adopted from Aunt Lora.