The Iron Heel · Chapter
VI: Adumbrations explained
Avis reflects on the warnings that began to accumulate around her and her father, Professor Cunningham, as a result of their association with socialists and labor leaders.
What happens
Avis reflects on the warnings that began to accumulate around her and her father, Professor Cunningham, as a result of their association with socialists and labor leaders. Professor Cunningham is reprimanded by President Wilcox for his private life and associations, and is offered a two-year paid vacation in Europe, which he refuses. Ernest explains that this is part of a larger, unseen revolution in society, and warns that Cunningham's income and position are at risk. Ernest also describes how he has taken Bishop Morehouse through the slums and factories, causing the Bishop to become soul-sick and unpractical. Finally, Ernest reveals that he has been offered the position of U.S. Commissioner of Labor, which he recognizes as a bribe from the capitalist class, and declines it.
Themes in this chapter
Class Struggle and the Rise of Oligarchy
Ernest describes an unseen revolution and the shadow of an oligarchy falling across the land, highlighting the conflict between labor and capital.
Revolution and Personal Sacrifice
Ernest refuses a lucrative government position, sacrificing personal gain for the cause of labor, and warns of the sacrifices to come.
Corruption of Institutions (Church, State, Labor)
The university is shown bowing to wealthy interests, and the government attempts to bribe a labor leader, illustrating institutional corruption.
Love and Loyalty in Adversity
Avis's love for Ernest and her loyalty to him despite class pressure, and Ernest's loyalty to his father's memory, are central.
Characters to notice
- Avis Everhard
Narrator; reflects on warnings and her growing understanding of class conflict.
- Ernest Everhard
Warns of societal upheaval; advises Professor Cunningham to accept the vacation; declines government bribe.
- John Cunningham
Reprimanded by President Wilcox; refuses the offered vacation; decides to continue his book.
- Bishop Morehouse
Soul-sick after being shown the realities of poverty; described as unpractical and heading toward a smash-up.
- Philip Wickson
Implied to be behind the pressure on President Wilcox and the bribe offered to Ernest.
- Mrs. Wickson
Exercises social power in the university town; spreads negative sentiment about Avis.
- Mrs. Pertonwaithe
Exercises social power alongside Mrs. Wickson; contributes to the campaign against Avis.
- Wilcox
Superannuated university president who reprimands Professor Cunningham.
Key passages
“You have given shelter to an enemy of your class. And not alone shelter, for you have given your love, yourself. This is treason to your class. Think not that you will escape being penalized.”
Ernest warns Avis that by loving him, a socialist, she has betrayed her own social class and will face consequences.
Ernest's warning about the penalties of class treason.
“I mean that there is a shadow of something colossal and menacing that even now is beginning to fall across the land. Call it the shadow of an oligarchy, if you will; it is the nearest I dare approximate it.”
Ernest describes a looming, terrifying change in society that he can only call the shadow of an oligarchy.
Ernest's vision of an impending oligarchic takeover.
“It is a bribe. Behind it is the fine hand of Wickson, and behind him the hands of greater men than he. It is an old trick, old as the class struggle is old—stealing the captains from the army of labor.”
Ernest explains that the government job offer is a bribe orchestrated by the capitalist class to neutralize him as a labor leader.
Ernest's rejection of the government bribe.
