I explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Speculation and Greed

  The chapter introduces the dangers of speculation through Mr. Cressler's past experience with a wheat corner that nearly ruined him, and contrasts his abhorrence of speculation with Jadwin's occasional involvement in grain deals.

• Social Class and Ambition

  The opera setting and the characters' interactions highlight social class distinctions. Laura's boldness in approaching Jadwin challenges conventional gender and social norms, while Page's hesitation reflects the constraints of propriety.

• Gender Roles and Independence

  Laura takes the initiative to speak to a stranger, Mr. Jadwin, despite her aunt's caution about being 'bold.' This act demonstrates her independence and willingness to defy social expectations for women of the time.

Characters to notice

• Laura Dearborn

  Laura is the central figure in this chapter, waiting at the opera with her sister and aunt. She takes the initiative to speak to Curtis Jadwin when the Cresslers fail to appear, showing her assertiveness and composure.

• Page Dearborn

  Page is Laura's sister, who provides information about Curtis Jadwin and is hesitant to approach him herself, preferring to wait.

• Aunt Wess

  Aunt Wess accompanies the Dearborn sisters and is cautious about social propriety, advising against boldness but ultimately deferring to Laura's judgment.

• Curtis Jadwin

  Jadwin is a wealthy Chicago real estate investor waiting for the Cresslers at the opera. He is initially suspicious of Laura's approach but quickly becomes embarrassed and deferential, revealing his character as a strong but somewhat awkward man.

• Sheldon Corthell

  Corthell is an artist who has romantic interest in Laura. He gives her flowers and recalls their past correspondence, including a stained glass window he made for her.

• Mr. Cressler

  Mr. Cressler is a former speculator who lost most of his fortune in a wheat corner and now strongly opposes speculation. He is expected at the opera but does not appear in this chapter.

Key passages

• “Speculation he abhorred as the smallpox, believing it to be impossible to corner grain by any means or under any circumstances.”

  Mr. Cressler hated speculation as much as a deadly disease, convinced that no one could ever successfully corner the grain market.

  This reflects Mr. Cressler's strong opposition to speculation, rooted in his personal financial disaster.

• “I think it would be a woman's place. If he's a gentleman, he would feel that he just couldn't speak first. I'm going to do it.”

  Laura argues that it is appropriate for a woman to take the lead in this situation, since a gentleman might be too constrained by etiquette to approach them first.

  This shows Laura's progressive view on gender roles and her determination to act.