The Professor’s House · Chapter
IX explained
On Christmas Day, Professor St.
What happens
On Christmas Day, Professor St. Peter retreats to his old study to work and be alone, enjoying a simple lunch and reflecting on a past holiday in Paris. He meets Augusta, who corrects his misunderstanding about the Magnificat, and he recalls the warmth of past family holidays. Later, the family gathers for dinner, where Louie Marsellus discusses his plans for a summer trip to France and admires Rosamond's jewelry, while Scott and Kathleen McGregor observe the Marselluses' displays of affection with discomfort. The chapter ends with Scott and Kathleen driving home, reaffirming their love for each other.
Themes in this chapter
Memory and the Past
The Professor's Christmas Day is filled with memories of past holidays, a trip to Paris, and the warmth of family life, contrasting with his present solitude.
Family and Marriage
The chapter depicts the dynamics of the St. Peter and Marsellus families, including the affectionate yet performative relationship of Louie and Rosamond, and the genuine love between Scott and Kathleen.
Materialism and Commercialism
Louie's admiration of Rosamond's jewelry and his plans for a lavish trip to France highlight the materialistic values of the Marselluses.
Characters to notice
- Professor St. Peter
Spends Christmas Day alone in his old study, working and reflecting on past holidays and memories of Paris. He has a conversation with Augusta about the Magnificat and later joins the family dinner.
- Augusta
Meets the Professor on Christmas morning as she returns from Mass. She corrects his misunderstanding about the Magnificat and reminds him of her presence in his study through the dress forms.
- Louie Marsellus
At the family dinner, he admires Rosamond's jewelry, discusses plans for a summer trip to France, and engages in playful banter with Mrs. St. Peter and Scott McGregor.
- Rosamond
Present at the dinner, she shows her jewelry to Kitty and seems displeased when Louie mentions a bracelet from her past.
- Scott McGregor
Attends the dinner and later drives home with Kathleen, reflecting on Louie's mention of a bracelet and reaffirming his love for his wife.
- Kathleen
At the dinner, she observes the Marselluses. Driving home with Scott, she passionately declares her love for him and confirms he is the only one who knows about her past.
Key passages
“Just as, when Queen Mathilde was doing the long tapestry now shown at Bayeux—working her chronicle of the deeds of knights and heroes—alongside the big pattern of dramatic action she and her women carried the little playful pattern of birds and beasts that are a story in themselves; so, to him, the most important chapters of his history were interwoven with personal memories.”
The Professor saw his own historical work as being intertwined with personal memories, much like the Bayeux Tapestry combines grand historical events with small, personal details.
This metaphor illustrates the Professor's view of his life and work.
“The truth is, Dearest, the truth is that I like all Scott's dinners, it's he who doesn't like mine! He's the intolerant one.”
Louie playfully claims that he enjoys all of Scott's dinners, but Scott is the one who dislikes Louie's tastes.
This quote highlights the friendly rivalry and differing tastes between Louie and Scott.