Chapter XXI explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Family and Legacy

  The Sheridan family is fractured by conflict over Edith's romance, with Bibbs offering unwelcome advice and Sheridan asserting patriarchal control.

• Individualism vs. Conformity

  Bibbs defies family expectations by finding contentment in machine work and advocating for Edith's autonomy, contrasting with the family's pressure to conform.

Characters to notice

• Bibbs Sheridan

  Advises his parents to let Edith see Lamhorn; appears unusually happy and content at the family dinner; works contentedly in the machine shop and talks to the machine.

• James Sheridan

  Angry and frustrated with Bibbs's advice; injures his hand in the machine shop and is treated by Dr. Gurney; appears at dinner with his hand in a sling.

• Edith Sheridan

  Pale and intent at dinner; avoids looking at Sibyl; leaves the room when George appears.

• Sibyl Sheridan

  Arrives precisely on time for dinner; looks ill; exchanges charged glances with Edith and asks Bibbs about church.

• Roscoe Sheridan

  Looks ill at dinner; eats nothing and avoids looking at his father.

• Dr. Gurney

  Treats Sheridan's injured hand; notes Bibbs's improved health and contentment with machine work.

Key passages

• “Let her see him all she wants.”

  Bibbs advises his parents to allow Edith to meet with Robert Lamhorn freely.

  Bibbs argues that opposition will only strengthen Edith's resolve.

• “I like the machine. I've made a friend of it. I serenade it and talk to it, and then it talks back to me.”

  Bibbs expresses contentment with his work in the machine shop, personifying the machine as a companion.

  Bibbs finds satisfaction and a sense of purpose in manual labor.