The Turmoil · Chapter
III explained
Bibbs Sheridan returns home from the sanitarium, met at the station by his sister Edith.
What happens
Bibbs Sheridan returns home from the sanitarium, met at the station by his sister Edith. During the car ride to the New House, Edith discusses family dynamics, social climbing, and the Sheridans' desire to be accepted by the old-money families, particularly the Vertreeses. Bibbs observes the family's wealth and tensions, including Edith's resentment toward Sibyl.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Mobility
Edith's detailed explanation of the social hierarchy and the Sheridans' efforts to be accepted by the old families like the Vertreeses highlights the theme of class and social striving.
Bigness and Industrialization
The New House and the Sheridan Apartments symbolize the family's industrial wealth and the physical manifestation of 'Bigness' in the city.
Characters to notice
- Bibbs Sheridan
Returns home from the sanitarium, still weak but improved. Observes family and social dynamics with a whimsical, detached air.
- Edith Sheridan
Meets Bibbs at the station, drives him to the New House. Expresses anxiety about social standing and resentment toward Sibyl.
- Sibyl Sheridan
Discussed by Edith as manipulative and insincere, accused of not caring for Roscoe and of currying favor with James Sheridan.
- Roscoe Sheridan
Mentioned as Sibyl's husband, who built a house across the street and is described by Edith as too lenient with Sibyl.
- Mary Vertrees
Mentioned as a member of the old Vertrees family, key to the Sheridans' social aspirations. Has only barely acknowledged Edith.
- Mr. Vertrees
Mentioned as a gentleman of old family who lives on his income; James Sheridan hopes to meet him.
Key passages
“You look—expensive!”
Bibbs comments on Edith's costly appearance, hinting at the family's new wealth.
Reflects Bibbs's wry observation of the family's material display.
“The right people in this town aren't always the society-column ones... they're a clan, just the same; and they have the clan feeling and they're just as much We, Us and Company as any crowd you read about anywhere in the world.”
Edith explains that social status is determined by old family connections, not just money or publicity.
Highlights the theme of class and social mobility.
“If we don't know them, it's practically no use in our having build the New House; and if we do know them and they're decent to us, we're right with the right people.”
Edith says that acceptance by the Vertrees family is essential for the Sheridans to gain social standing.
Emphasizes the social climbing motive behind the New House.