# IX explained — The Homemaker

> Chapter companion for The Homemaker by Dorothy Canfield Fisher.

## What happens

Evangeline Knapp begins working at the Emporium, initially as a stock-girl. Her natural aptitude for sales and keen observations impress Jerome Willing, while Miss Flynn and Mrs. Willing debate her potential. Meanwhile, the Knapp family manages at home with help from neighbors and store employees, and Lester remains bedridden.

## Themes in this chapter

### Work and Vocation

Evangeline discovers a passion for saleswork, and her aptitude is recognized by Jerome Willing.

### Social Class and Economic Pressure

The Knapp family's financial struggles necessitate Evangeline's employment, and community members help out.

### Community and Solidarity

Store employees and neighbors assist the Knapp family, showing mutual aid among the working class.

## Character check-ins

### Evangeline Knapp

Shows enthusiasm and insight in her new job at the Emporium, impressing Jerome Willing with her observations about salesmanship.

### Jerome Willing

Interviews Evangeline about her work, feels a kindred spirit, and discusses her potential with his wife Nell.

### Nell Willing

Takes an interest in Evangeline's progress, discusses her with Jerome, and observes Miss Flynn's behavior.

### Miss Flynn

Reports Evangeline's supposed failure as a salesperson to Jerome, but later softens her stance.

### Lester Knapp

Remains bedridden at home; the family and community manage his care.

### Old Mrs. Hennessy

Helps at the Knapp house during the day, doing housework.

## Key lines

> I saw her showing the goods to a customer. I heard the customer say, ‘My, isn’t that lovely!’ and I heard Mrs. Knapp say⁠—you’d hardly believe it, I heard her say just as bossy, ‘No, I don’t believe that is really what you want, Mrs. Something-or-other, it wouldn’t be suitable for the purpose you.⁠ ⁠…’

Miss Flynn reports that Evangeline discouraged a customer from buying a sweater, which Miss Flynn sees as a failure of salesmanship.

_Highlights the conflict between Evangeline's customer-focused approach and Miss Flynn's sales-driven expectations._

> Oh, Mr. Willing, I love it! I do hope I’ll give satisfaction, for I love every bit of it.

Evangeline expresses genuine passion for her work to Jerome Willing.

_Shows Evangeline's enthusiasm and dedication to her new role._

> How good poor people are to anybody in trouble, remarked Jerome comfortably, pulling on his pipe and wondering for the first time if perhaps there really might be some truth in that threadbare remark which he had heard and repeated so many times and never believed a word of.

Jerome reflects on the kindness shown by the working class to those in need, surprised by its authenticity.

_Illustrates Jerome's growing awareness of community solidarity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_homemaker_se/chapters/part-ii-ix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_homemaker_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_homemaker_se/chapters