The Homemaker · Chapter
XIX explained
Mattie Farnham, while trying to cut out a dress for her daughter Margaret, is struck by a sudden realization about the Knapp family.
What happens
Mattie Farnham, while trying to cut out a dress for her daughter Margaret, is struck by a sudden realization about the Knapp family. She rushes to their home, where she observes Lester's improved health and the children's well-being. Later, she learns from Evangeline that Evangeline has been promoted to head of a department at the Emporium with a salary of three thousand dollars a year. Mattie then visits Dr. Merritt to inquire about Lester's condition, and the doctor explains that Lester's paralysis may be psychosomatic rather than due to permanent physical damage, suggesting heliotherapy and a change in family sympathy.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Parenting
Mattie's attentive care for her children contrasts with her sudden neglect when preoccupied; Lester's improved relationship with his children is evident in their shared chicken-raising project.
Work and Vocation
Evangeline's promotion to department head represents a significant vocational achievement; Lester's rejection of a teaching career highlights his struggle with finding meaningful work.
Health and Wellbeing
Lester's improved digestion and the children's weight gain reflect better health; Dr. Merritt's diagnosis suggests Lester's paralysis may have a psychological component.
Characters to notice
- Mattie Farnham
Struggles to cut out a dress while caring for her children; has a sudden epiphany about the Knapps; visits Lester and Evangeline; later consults Dr. Merritt about Lester's condition.
- Lester Knapp
Shows improved health and digestion; jokes about his paralysis; rejects the idea of becoming a professor; is observed by Mattie and later discussed with Dr. Merritt.
- Evangeline Knapp
Returns home excitedly to announce her promotion to head of a department at the Emporium with a salary of three thousand dollars a year; shares plans for the children's college fund and a Ford.
- Stephen Knapp
Watching the chicks in the backyard chicken coop; described by Lester as 'sprouting wings' due to his improved behavior.
- Henry Knapp
Eating cookies and milk with Helen; has outgrown his weak stomach; joins the children in inspecting the poultry.
- Helen Knapp
Eating cookies and milk; has gained eight pounds; shows Mattie the gap in her last summer's dress.
Key passages
“I don't pretend it's any picnic. But it's of no consequence of course.”
Lester acknowledges his paralysis is difficult but insists it doesn't matter.
Lester's stoic acceptance of his condition is revealed during his conversation with Mattie.
“God moves in a mysterious way, His. …”
Evangeline quotes a hymn to express her awe at her unexpected promotion.
Evangeline's religious reflection underscores her gratitude and sense of divine providence.
“I've felt all squimbly this whole afternoon”
Mattie says she has felt dizzy and unwell all afternoon.
Mattie's emotional turmoil is expressed through her physical symptoms after hearing Evangeline's news.