# Chapter XXI explained — The Turmoil

> Chapter companion for The Turmoil by Booth Tarkington.

## What happens

Bibbs advises his parents to let Edith see Robert Lamhorn freely, arguing that opposition will only strengthen her resolve. At a tense Sunday dinner, the family is strained by unspoken conflicts, with Bibbs appearing unusually content. After Sheridan injures his hand in the machine shop, Dr. Gurney treats him and notes Bibbs's improved health and satisfaction with his work.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_turmoil_se/chapters/xxi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_turmoil_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_turmoil_se/chapters