The Pit · Chapter
Chapter IX explained
Curtis Jadwin becomes increasingly consumed by his wheat corner, neglecting Laura.
What happens
Curtis Jadwin becomes increasingly consumed by his wheat corner, neglecting Laura. Laura struggles with loneliness and ennui despite her wealth, and she pleads with Jadwin to spend her birthday evening with her, emphasizing her need for his presence. Meanwhile, C. H. Crookes plots against Jadwin, and the public and press react to the corner, with some farmers praising Jadwin's impact on their prosperity.
Themes in this chapter
Speculation and Greed
Jadwin's corner on wheat consumes him, hardening his heart to the ruin of others, and he views his profits as a right, echoing the phrase 'Vae victis.'
Love and Marriage
Laura's marriage suffers as Jadwin prioritizes speculation over their relationship, leading her to plead for his attention on her birthday, symbolizing her struggle to reclaim intimacy.
The American Dream and Its Costs
Jadwin's immense wealth and power come at the cost of personal happiness and connection, while Laura's ennui shows the emptiness of material success.
Characters to notice
- Curtis Jadwin
Jadwin is deeply absorbed in his wheat corner, rarely seeing Laura, and his heart hardens to the distress he causes. He recalls the phrase 'Vae victis' and feels trapped by his own success.
- Laura Jadwin
Laura feels isolated and weary despite her wealth, engaging in futile activities like buying books and horses. She pleads with Jadwin to spend her birthday evening with her, desperate for his attention.
- C. H. Crookes
Crookes plots against Jadwin after being bested, muttering that Jadwin's own wheat will destroy him, and decides not to directly attack but to let the corner collapse on its own.
- Charles Cressler
Cressler is reportedly sick and growing thinner, not going to his business, causing concern for his wife. Jadwin and Laura discuss visiting him.
- Mrs. Cressler
Mrs. Cressler is worried about her husband's health and mentions his decline to Laura.
- Samuel Gretry
Gretry's office becomes Jadwin's headquarters, besieged by reporters and others seeking the great man.
Key passages
“He took his profits as a Bourbon took his taxes, as if by right of birth.”
Jadwin accepted his earnings as a monarch would collect tribute, feeling entitled to them.
Highlights Jadwin's sense of entitlement and detachment from the suffering he causes.
“Corner wheat! It’s the wheat that has cornered me. It’s like holding a wolf by the ears, bad to hold on, but worse to let go.”
Jadwin admits that the wheat corner has trapped him, comparing it to a dangerous situation where neither holding on nor letting go is safe.
Reveals Jadwin's awareness of his own entrapment by his speculative scheme.
“Oh, the ennui”
Laura expresses profound boredom and dissatisfaction with her luxurious but empty life.
Captures Laura's emotional state of weariness despite her material abundance.
“I want my husband. I will have him; he is mine, he is mine. There shall nothing take me from him; there shall nothing take him from me.”
Laura asserts her determination to reclaim her husband from the forces that separate them.
Shows Laura's desperate resolve to fight for her marriage against Jadwin's obsession.