# XV explained — The Professor’s House

> Chapter companion for The Professor’s House by Willa Cather.

## What happens

In March, Louie Marsellus proposes a summer trip to France for the family, but Professor St. Peter feels unable to join, sensing a deep fatigue and a desire to retreat from social engagements. His wife Lillian confronts him about his emotional withdrawal, and he admits to feeling that he has put much behind him and is tired, though he hopes for a 'second wind.'

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Marriage

The strained dynamics between St. Peter and his wife, and the shifting roles within the family as Louie takes on a more central place.

### Loss of Self and Identity

St. Peter's feeling of having put a great deal behind him and his reluctance to engage with the future, reflecting a loss of his former self.

### Memory and the Past

St. Peter's reflections on his past life and his sense of fatigue, tied to memories and the inability to go back.

## Character check-ins

### Professor St. Peter

Feels tired and withdrawn, declines the France trip, reflects on his past and his relationship with his family.

### Lillian St. Peter

Confronts her husband about his emotional distance, expresses concern and sadness over his change.

### Louie Marsellus

Enthusiastically plans the summer trip to France, showing his admiration for Lillian and his desire to include the Professor.

### Rosamond

Piqued by her father's refusal, she is eager for the trip and practical about shopping for the house.

## Key lines

> I can’t altogether tell myself, Lillian. It’s not wholly a matter of the calendar. It’s the feeling that I’ve put a great deal behind me, where I can’t go back to it again—and I don’t really wish to go back.

I can't fully explain it, Lillian. It's not just about age. I feel like I've left so much behind that I can't return to, and I don't want to.

_St. Peter tries to articulate his sense of finality and fatigue to his wife._

> Beaux-fils, apparently, were meant by Providence to take the husband’s place when husbands had ceased to be lovers.

Sons-in-law, it seems, are destined to replace husbands when husbands stop being lovers.

_Narrator's observation on the changing roles in the family._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_professor_s_house_se/chapters/xv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_professor_s_house_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_professor_s_house_se/chapters