Departure and New Beginnings explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Artistic Ambition and Sacrifice

  Thea's departure symbolizes her commitment to her musical career, leaving behind family and familiar surroundings for the sake of her art.

• Self-Discovery and Identity

  Thea feels a newfound sense of wholeness and confidence as she embarks on her journey, discovering her own identity separate from her family.

• The Role of Place and Environment

  The contrast between the familiar sand hills of home and the unknown city of Chicago highlights how environment shapes Thea's growth and aspirations.

Characters to notice

• Thea Kronborg

  Departs for Chicago to study music, feeling confident and focused on her future.

• Dr. Howard Archie

  Arranges Thea's trip to Chicago, advocates for her musical education, and accompanies her on the train.

• Mrs. Kronborg

  Oversees Thea's preparations, reflects on her daughter's departure, and supports the plan.

• Mr. Kronborg

  Initially hesitant about Thea's trip but defers to his wife's judgment after Dr. Archie's persuasion.

• Ray Kennedy

  Posthumously funds Thea's education through his life insurance, as arranged before his death.

• Tillie Kronborg

  Emotionally supports Thea's departure and romanticizes her future, especially regarding clothes and society.

Key passages

• “She turned Thea about by the shoulders and looked her over a last time. Yes, she looked very well. She wasn’t pretty, exactly⁠—her face was too broad and her nose was too big. But she had that lovely skin, and she looked fresh and sweet.”

  Mrs. Kronborg gave Thea a final inspection, noting that while she wasn't conventionally pretty, her lovely skin and fresh appearance made her look very nice.

  Reflects Mrs. Kronborg's practical yet affectionate assessment of her daughter before departure.

• “If youth did not matter so much to itself, it would never have the heart to go on.”

  Youth's self-importance is necessary for the courage to move forward.

  Narrator's reflection on Thea's self-focused excitement as she leaves her old life.

• “She was all there, and something else was there, too⁠—in her heart, was it, or under her cheek? Anyhow, it was about her somewhere, that warm sureness, that sturdy little companion with whom she shared a secret.”

  Thea felt completely present and accompanied by a quiet, confident inner strength that felt like a secret friend.

  Describes Thea's inner sense of purpose and self-assurance as she travels.

• “He knew that the splendid things of life are few, after all, and so very easy to miss.”

  Dr. Archie reflects that life's truly magnificent moments are rare and can be easily overlooked.

  Dr. Archie's bittersweet awareness of the preciousness of Thea's journey.

• “I think Thea needs to get among a lot of young people who are clever like herself. Here she has no companions but old fellows like me. It’s not a natural life for a young girl. She’ll either get warped, or wither up before her time.”

  Dr. Archie argues that Thea needs peers of her own intellect to thrive, warning that her current isolation could stunt her growth.

  Dr. Archie's rationale for sending Thea to Chicago, emphasizing the importance of community for her development.