The Coming of Bill · Chapter
VII: Sufficient Unto Themselves explained
Months after John Bannister's ultimatum, Kirk Winfield and Ruth are deeply absorbed in their marriage, causing Kirk's former friends to feel excluded.
What happens
Months after John Bannister's ultimatum, Kirk Winfield and Ruth are deeply absorbed in their marriage, causing Kirk's former friends to feel excluded. Ruth's jealousy leads her to ban Kirk's model, Miss Hilda Vince, and she admits to disliking his old friends, including Hank Jardine. Kirk struggles with his artistic ambitions and the constraints of marriage, while Ruth experiences vague premonitions of doom.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Companionship
The chapter explores the intense, exclusive bond between Kirk and Ruth, which isolates them from others and creates conflict over autonomy.
Art and Authenticity
Kirk's struggle to paint without his preferred model highlights the tension between artistic integrity and marital compromise.
Characters to notice
- Kirk Winfield
Now deeply absorbed in marriage, he has abandoned his old friends and struggles with Ruth's control over his work and social life.
- Ruth Bannister
Jealous and possessive, she actively excludes Kirk's friends and model, and admits to feeling irrational horror and premonitions.
- Hank Jardine
Mentioned as an old friend of Kirk's whom Ruth dislikes; his visit highlighted the rift in Kirk's social circle.
- Miss Hilda Vince
A model who calls Kirk by his first name; Ruth bans her from the studio, causing tension over Kirk's work.
Key passages
“Marriage had undeniably wrought changes in Kirk Winfield. It had blown up, decentralized, and rearranged his entire scheme of life.”
Marriage completely transformed Kirk's life, disrupting his previous habits and priorities.
Illustrates the profound impact of marriage on Kirk's identity and daily existence.
“She was the angel with the flaming sword who guarded their paradise.”
Ruth acted as a protective, gatekeeping force in their marriage, keeping others out.
Metaphor for Ruth's role in isolating the couple from Kirk's former friends.
“I know it's silly of me. I know just as well as you do that Miss Vince is quite a nice girl really, and is going to make a splendid Mrs. Travelling Salesman, but that doesn't help me. It's my wicked nature, I suppose. I'm just a plain cat, and that's all there is to it.”
Ruth admits her jealousy is irrational but feels powerless to change her feelings.
Highlights Ruth's self-awareness and internal conflict over her possessiveness.