The Turmoil · Chapter
XXII explained
Bibbs Sheridan, now working in the machine shop, reflects on the nature of love and friendship in a letter, concluding that friendship offers a quieter, more transcendent happiness than the turbulence of love.
What happens
Bibbs Sheridan, now working in the machine shop, reflects on the nature of love and friendship in a letter, concluding that friendship offers a quieter, more transcendent happiness than the turbulence of love. He lives in a dreamlike state, focused on his growing bond with Mary Vertrees. Mary visits him after work, walking him home and sharing her discovery of a local painter who captures the beauty of the city's smoke. Their conversation deepens their friendship, with Bibbs expressing his joy and fear of change, while Mary affectionately calls him 'dear Bibbs.'
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Bibbs contrasts the turbulence of love with the gentle happiness of friendship, suggesting a sacrificial, transcendent quality in his bond with Mary.
Urban Decay and Environment
The city's smoke and soot are central to the setting, yet Mary reveals an artist who finds beauty in the industrial haze, reframing urban decay.
Individualism vs. Conformity
Bibbs's philosophical musings and his choice of manual labor over business reflect his individual path, contrasting with his father's industrial conformity.
Characters to notice
- Bibbs Sheridan
Writes a philosophical letter on love and friendship, works in the machine shop, and experiences a dreamlike happiness centered on Mary.
- Mary Vertrees
Visits Bibbs at work, walks home with him, and shares her appreciation for a painter who captures the beauty of the city's smoke.
- James Sheridan
Mentioned as not yet downstairs when Bibbs leaves for work; his love of smoke is contrasted with his likely disinterest in art.
- Roscoe Sheridan
Mentioned briefly: an automobile is parked at the curb before Roscoe's house, though Bibbs does not recognize it.
- Dr. Gurney
His automobile is parked at Roscoe's house, though Bibbs fails to recognize it in the fog.
Key passages
“Love is blind while it lives and only opens its eyes and becomes very wide awake when it dies.”
Love is oblivious during its existence and only gains clarity after it ends.
Bibbs's opening reflection on the nature of love in his letter.
“Friendship walks gently and with open eyes. To walk to church with a friend! To sit beside her there!”
Friendship is calm and perceptive, finding joy in simple shared moments like attending church together.
Bibbs idealizes friendship as a serene and fulfilling alternative to love.
“I felt as if I were being carried straight up and up and up—over the clouds.”
I felt an overwhelming sense of elation, as if I were rising above everything.
Bibbs describes his emotional response to Mary coming to walk him home.
“I thought it was your voice coming out of a star!”
I imagined your voice was emanating from a celestial source.
Bibbs's poetic reaction to hearing Mary's laugh in the dark.