VII: Cutting the Tangled Knot explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Marriage and Companionship

  The chapter explores the growing rift between Kirk and Ruth, highlighting the failure of communication and shared activities to sustain their marriage.

• Individualism vs. Interference

  Bailey's meddling in Ruth's life and Kirk's attempt to impose domesticity clash with Ruth's desire for autonomy and her resistance to authority.

• Wealth and Corruption

  Bailey's financial speculation, driven by his wife's extravagance and his own newfound freedom, leads to risky behavior and moral compromise.

Characters to notice

• Bailey Bannister

  Interferes in Ruth and Kirk's marriage, driven by his own financial troubles and jealousy of Basil Milbank.

• Ruth Bannister

  Resents Bailey's interference and Kirk's attempts at domesticity, feeling drawn to Basil Milbank.

• Kirk Winfield

  Tries to bridge the gap with Ruth by suggesting a family outing, but is rebuffed and becomes frustrated.

• Basil Milbank

  A gifted and charming man who has become a menacing figure in Ruth's life, attracting her with his talents.

• Sybil Wilbur

  Bailey's wife, whose extravagance contributes to his financial strain and who is invited to join Basil's yacht party.

• Mrs. Lora Delane Porter

  Referenced by Ruth as an authority figure who would disapprove of William Bannister's unhygienic outing.

Key passages

• “There are some men whose mission in life it appears to be to go about the world creating crises in the lives of other people. When there is thunder in the air they precipitate the thunderbolt. Bailey Bannister was one of these.”

  Some people seem destined to stir up trouble, and Bailey Bannister is such a person, always making situations worse.

  Opening lines characterizing Bailey's disruptive nature.

• “He would not leave the tangled lives of those around him to adjust themselves. He blundered in and tried to help. He nearly always produced a definite result, but seldom the one at which he aimed.”

  Bailey couldn't let others sort out their own problems; he interfered and often caused unintended outcomes.

  Describes Bailey's well-meaning but counterproductive interference.

• “If you keep a dog, a dog with a high sense of his abilities and importance, tied up and muzzled for a length of time and then abruptly set it free the chances are that it will celebrate its freedom.”

  After being restrained for so long, Bailey, like a freed dog, indulged in reckless behavior once he gained independence.

  Metaphor for Bailey's behavior after his father's death.

• “He could convey to Ruth that he thought her a misunderstood and neglected wife while talking to her about the weather. He could make his own knight-errant attitude toward her perfectly plain without saying a word, merely by playing soft music to her on the piano.”

  Basil could subtly imply that Ruth was mistreated by Kirk, even in casual conversation or through his piano playing.

  Describes Basil's manipulative charm and appeal to Ruth.

• “The idea of papa, mamma, and baby sporting together in a public park offended her sense of the social proprieties.”

  Ruth found the suggestion of a family outing to the park beneath her new social standards.

  Ruth's internal reaction to Kirk's proposal, showing her changed values.