# XXIII explained — The Turmoil

> Chapter companion for The Turmoil by Booth Tarkington.

## What happens

Bibbs remains detached in his dreamlike state while the Sheridan household erupts in turmoil. Sibyl, under Dr. Gurney's care, hysterically reveals her grievances and the change in Bibbs. Roscoe, broken by overwork and domestic strife, refuses his father's pleas to return to business, leading to a final rupture.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Legacy

Sheridan's desperate attempt to keep Roscoe in the business highlights the conflict between family duty and personal breakdown.

### Individualism vs. Conformity

Roscoe's refusal to conform to his father's work ethic represents a rebellion against the expected role.

### Gender Roles and Marriage

Sibyl's hysterical monologue exposes the constraints of marriage and the limited agency of women in her social position.

## Character check-ins

### Bibbs Sheridan

Lives in a dreamlike detachment, absentmindedly wandering through family conflicts.

### Sibyl Sheridan

Hysterical and under Dr. Gurney's care, she reveals her bitterness and the change in Bibbs.

### Roscoe Sheridan

Broken by overwork and domestic trouble, he refuses his father's demand to return to business.

### James Sheridan

Rages at Roscoe's decision, thumps his desk in a directors' meeting, and ultimately dismisses his son.

### Dr. Gurney

Attends Sibyl, learns of Bibbs's change, and advises Roscoe to rest, incurring Sheridan's wrath.

## Key lines

> Bibbs continued to live in the shelter of his dream.

Bibbs remained wrapped in his own fantasies, oblivious to the chaos around him.

_Highlights Bibbs's emotional detachment from family turmoil._

> These are good times and big times, and I won’t stand for any other kind o’ talk.

Sheridan insists that the economy is booming and refuses to hear any pessimistic views.

_Illustrates Sheridan's bullish confidence and authoritarian style._

> I’m through.

Roscoe declares he is done with the family business.

_Marks Roscoe's definitive break from his father's expectations._

## Links

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