# II explained — The Pit

> Chapter companion for The Pit by Frank Norris.

## What happens

Laura Dearborn reflects on her past in Barrington, Massachusetts, and her decision to move to Chicago after her father's death. She recalls her education, her love of literature, and her disdain for the narrow New England spirit. Encouraged by the Cresslers and Aunt Wess, she finally relocates to Chicago, where she is fascinated by the city's vibrant and overwhelming commercial life. The chapter also includes a conversation between Laura and Mrs. Cressler about Curtis Jadwin's interest in Laura, contrasting him with Sheldon Corthell, and ends with Laura and Page visiting their new home.

## Themes in this chapter

### Urban vs. Rural Life

Laura's move from the narrow, restrictive life of Barrington to the dynamic, overwhelming energy of Chicago highlights the tension between rural tradition and urban modernity.

### Gender Roles and Independence

Laura's ambition to become an actress and her rejection of the 'New England spirit' and spinsterhood reflect her desire for independence and self-definition beyond traditional female roles.

### Social Class and Ambition

Laura's financial independence through her aunt's provision and her social navigation among the Cresslers, Jadwin, and Corthell underscore class dynamics and personal ambition in Chicago society.

## Character check-ins

### Laura Dearborn

Reflects on her upbringing in Barrington, her education, and her decision to move to Chicago after her father's death.

### Page Dearborn

Laura's younger sister, who has already moved to Chicago for school and is now living with Laura.

### Aunt Wess

Laura's aunt, a widow living in Chicago, who encourages Laura to move and helps with the new house.

### Mrs. Cressler

A close family friend who advises Laura about moving to Chicago and discusses Curtis Jadwin's interest in Laura.

### Curtis Jadwin

A wealthy bachelor and friend of the Cresslers, who shows strong interest in Laura after meeting her.

### Sheldon Corthell

A talented but less substantial young man, contrasted with Jadwin by Mrs. Cressler.

### Charles Cressler

Mr. Cressler, who is skeptical of Jadwin's interest in Laura and dislikes Corthell.

### Landry Court

Escorts Laura and Page downtown, observing Laura's fascination with Chicago.

## Key lines

> She soon acquired a reading knowledge of French, and knew her Racine in the original almost as well as her Shakespeare. Literature became for her an actual passion.

Laura quickly learned to read French and became deeply passionate about literature, mastering both French and English classics.

_Highlights Laura's intellectual ambition and cultural refinement._

> The life was barren, the 'New England spirit' prevailed in all its severity; and this spirit seemed to her a veritable cult, a sort of religion, wherein the Old Maid was the priestess, the Spinster the officiating devotee, the thing worshipped the Great Unbeautiful, and the ritual unremitting, unrelenting Housework.

Laura found life in Barrington oppressive, dominated by a harsh, joyless culture that glorified domestic drudgery and spinsterhood.

_Illustrates Laura's rejection of rural New England's restrictive social norms._

> But the life was tremendous. All around, on every side, in every direction the vast machinery of Commonwealth clashed and thundered from dawn to dark and from dark till dawn.

Laura was awed by the immense, relentless energy of Chicago's commercial and industrial activity.

_Captures the overwhelming vitality of urban Chicago as experienced by Laura._

> The kindliest, biggest-hearted fellow—oh, well, you'll know him for yourself, and then you'll see. He passes the plate in our church.

Mrs. Cressler praises Curtis Jadwin as a generous and charitable man, active in his church community.

_Establishes Jadwin's character as benevolent and respectable, contrasting with his later speculative pursuits._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_pit_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_pit_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_pit_se/chapters