# XIX explained — The Homemaker

> Chapter companion for The Homemaker by Dorothy Canfield Fisher.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_homemaker_se/chapters/part-iv-xix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_homemaker_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_homemaker_se/chapters