# He Is Urged to Desert His Galley explained — The Cords of Vanity

> Chapter companion for The Cords of Vanity by James Branch Cabell.

## What happens

The narrator and Elena Barry-Smith have a heated argument after a bridge game, where Elena accuses him of condescension toward her mother and class differences. She rejects his proposal, citing their incompatible backgrounds and his patronizing attitude, leading to a bitter breakup.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Provincialism

Elena accuses the narrator of never forgetting his aristocratic ancestors and looking down on her mother's lack of refinement, highlighting class tensions.

### Love and Its Disillusionments

Elena confesses her love but refuses to marry the narrator due to their irreconcilable differences, leading to a painful breakup.

### Vanity and Self-Deception

The narrator's patronizing behavior and inability to see his own faults are exposed by Elena, who points out his insincerity and pride.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator reflects on his relationship with Elena, his temper, and his inability to apologize after their fight.

### Elena Barry-Smith

Elena confronts the narrator about his condescension toward her mother and their class differences, ultimately ending their relationship.

### Nannie Allsotts

Plays bridge with the narrator and Elena; giggles at the narrator's pun about 'who's a-beating.'

### Warwick Risby

Plays bridge with the narrator and Elena; reacts with fury to the narrator's pun.

### Mrs. Vokins

Prepares supper and asks 'who's a-beating?' prompting the narrator's pun.

## Key lines

> I was very much in love with Elena, but I hold it against her, even now, that she insisted on discarding from strength.

The narrator loved Elena but resented her poor bridge strategy.

_The narrator's affection is tinged with petty criticism._

> You are the sort that used to take snuff just before they had their heads cut off, and when they were in the wrong.

Elena accuses the narrator of being stoically unrepentant even when at fault.

_Elena criticizes the narrator's unflappable demeanor._

> I wouldn't wipe my feet on you!

Elena angrily rejects the narrator's condescending marriage proposal.

_Elena's fierce response to the narrator's insult._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/xxi-he-is-urged-to-desert-his-galley
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters