The Turmoil · Chapter
IV explained
Bibbs Sheridan returns home to the New House, a grand but impersonal mansion built by his father.
What happens
Bibbs Sheridan returns home to the New House, a grand but impersonal mansion built by his father. He is greeted by his sister Edith and the household staff, and after resting, he observes the neighboring Vertrees house from his window. He catches Mary Vertrees looking at him from her summerhouse, and later his mother visits him, hinting at his father's plans for him. Bibbs agrees to attend the housewarming party that evening.
Themes in this chapter
Bigness and Industrialization
The New House is described as an architect's success that reveals nothing of its inhabitants except their wealth, symbolizing the impersonal scale of industrial-era fortunes.
Family and Legacy
Bibbs's mother hints at his father's 'plans for you,' underscoring the Sheridan family's focus on legacy and control over the next generation.
Mortality and Health
Bibbs's frail appearance, his recent stay in a sanitarium, and his mother's concern about his appetite and strength highlight themes of illness and recovery.
Characters to notice
- Bibbs Sheridan
Returns home from a sanitarium, weak and weary, observes the New House and the Vertrees property, and agrees to attend the housewarming.
- Edith Sheridan
Greets Bibbs at the New House, shows him the Golfo di Napoli painting and the Moor statue, then leaves to find their mother.
- Mary Vertrees
Seen by Bibbs in the summerhouse; she is caught looking into his window and later admits it to her mother.
- Mrs. Vertrees
Meets Mary at the door, expresses concern about Mary being seen looking into the Sheridans' window, and they prepare to call on the Sheridans.
- Mist’ Jackson
A servant who helps Bibbs to his room and comments on his frail condition.
Key passages
“It was impossible to imagine a child’s toy wagon left upon a walk or driveway of the New House, and yet it was—as Bibbs rightly called it—'beautiful.'”
The New House was so pristine and formal that it seemed inhospitable to children's play, yet Bibbs acknowledged its beauty.
Highlights the impersonal, sterile nature of the Sheridan mansion.
“He looked the mirror up and down, slowly, repeatedly, but came in the end to a long and earnest scrutiny of the face. Throughout this cryptic séance his manner was profoundly impersonal; he had the air of an entomologist intent upon classifying a specimen, but finally he appeared to become pessimistic.”
Bibbs examined his reflection with detached scientific curiosity, ultimately expressing disapproval of his own appearance.
Reveals Bibbs's self-awareness and poor health, as well as his detached, analytical personality.
“His plans for you—his plans for you—his plans for you—”
The phrase 'his plans for you' echoes obsessively in Bibbs's mind, representing his anxiety about his father's intentions.
Foreshadows conflict between Bibbs and his father over future expectations.