The Magnificent Ambersons · Chapter
XV explained
During George's college commencement, Eugene Morgan and George Amberson discuss the young man's character, attributing it to his being Isabel's only child, an Amberson, and a boy.
What happens
During George's college commencement, Eugene Morgan and George Amberson discuss the young man's character, attributing it to his being Isabel's only child, an Amberson, and a boy. The chapter contrasts George's arrogant sense of entitlement with the more mature perspectives of the older generation, who foresee life's inevitable humbling lessons. Meanwhile, Isabel provides for Fanny after Wilbur's financial ruin, and George's return home with Lucy signals a shift in the family dynamics.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Arrogance
George's sense of superiority and entitlement is highlighted through his disdain for 'doing things' and his family's indulgent view of him as the 'proprietor of the universe.'
Coming of Age and Humility
The older generation, particularly George Amberson and Eugene, foresees that life will eventually humble George, as youth's confidence is contrasted with the inevitable lines of experience.
Love and Sacrifice
Isabel's selfless act of giving Wilbur's insurance to Fanny demonstrates her love and sacrifice, while her devotion to George shows a mother's protective care.
Characters to notice
- George Amberson Minafer
Graduates from college with an air of entitlement, preferring 'being things' to 'doing things,' and is seen as the 'proprietor of the universe' by his family.
- Lucy Morgan
Accompanies George during commencement, questioning his friend's definition of superiority, and is brought by Isabel to visit.
- Eugene Morgan
Observes George's character with a mix of amusement and concern, noting that the deepest lines on faces come from lack of faith.
- Isabel Amberson
Proudly dotes on George, transfers Wilbur's life insurance to Fanny, and brings Lucy to commencement, showing her hopeful and trusting nature.
- Fanny Minafer
Left financially devastated after Wilbur's death and business failure, but is provided for by Isabel's gift of insurance money, though she remains despondent.
- Major Amberson
Referenced as having spoiled Georgie more than his own children; his 'prospects' support George Amberson after the financial crash.
Key passages
“You need only three things to explain all that’s good and bad about Georgie. He’s Isabel’s only child. He’s an Amberson. He’s a boy.”
Eugene Morgan suggests that George's entire character can be understood through three factors: being his mother's sole child, belonging to the Amberson family, and being a young male.
This encapsulates the central critique of George's spoiled and arrogant nature.
“I’ll tell you what puts the lines there. Age puts some, and trouble puts some, and work puts some, but the deepest are carved by lack of faith. The serenest brow is the one that believes the most.”
Eugene explains that while age, trouble, and work cause wrinkles, the deepest lines come from a loss of faith, and the calmest faces are those that maintain belief.
This philosophical reflection contrasts with George's youthful confidence and hints at future trials.
“Don’t you think, really, don’t you think that being things is rather better than doing things?”
A friend of George's asks Lucy whether simply existing as a certain type of person is superior to taking action or achieving things.
This illustrates the idle, entitled attitude of George's social circle.
