The Coming of Bill · Chapter
XIV: The Sixty-First Street Cyclone explained
Kirk and Mamie arrive at the shack after a delayed journey.
What happens
Kirk and Mamie arrive at the shack after a delayed journey. Steve recounts how he took William Bannister to fight another boy, leading to an impromptu boxing match that William wins. The chapter ends with a celebratory toast interrupted by Mrs. Porter's arrival.
Themes in this chapter
Eugenics and Heredity
Steve argues that innate grit cannot be 'sterilized' out, reflecting contemporary debates about heredity versus environment.
Parenthood and Child Rearing
Kirk's joy at having his son to himself contrasts with Mamie's concern over proper feeding and care.
Characters to notice
- Kirk Winfield
Drives to the shack with Mamie, feeling exhilarated about having his son to himself, though troubled by thoughts of Ruth.
- Mamie
Silent during the journey; disapproves of Steve's plans for feeding William and cares for the boy.
- Steve Dingle
Arranged the fight for William and recounts the event with pride; feels sheepish about Mamie's reaction.
- William Bannister Winfield
Wins a boxing match against a heavier opponent; falls asleep during the celebration.
- Mrs. Lora Delane Porter
Appears at the doorway at the end, commanding silence.
Key passages
“He had not stopped to ask himself what this mad freak of Steve's could possibly lead to in the end—he was satisfied to feel that its immediate result would be that for a brief while, at any rate, he would have his son to himself, away from all the chilling surroundings which had curbed him and frozen his natural feelings in the past.”
Kirk didn't consider the long-term consequences of Steve's scheme, only that it would give him temporary, unguarded time with his son.
Highlights Kirk's emotional need for connection with his son.
“Gee! if they're right to start with, if they're born right, if they've got the grit in them, you can't sterilize it out of 'em if you use up half the germ-killer in the country.”
If a child is born with innate toughness, no amount of sanitizing can remove it.
Reflects the theme of heredity versus environment.