# Chapter XXIV explained — The Turmoil

> Chapter companion for The Turmoil by Booth Tarkington.

## What happens

Bibbs Sheridan defends his happiness working in the machine shop and rejects his father's offer to enter business, arguing that wealth and industrial growth have made the city ugly and dehumanized. James Sheridan counters by questioning Bibbs's past judgment and threatening to force him into business or plumbing, revealing his frustration after losing his other sons. The chapter ends with Bibbs startled by his father's final accusation of being a 'sleep walker.'

## Themes in this chapter

### Bigness and Industrialization

Bibbs criticizes the city's growth as merely 'getting bigger and dirtier and noisier,' contrasting industrial progress with human happiness.

### Individualism vs. Conformity

Bibbs asserts his desire to remain a machine-shop worker rather than conform to his father's business expectations, valuing personal fulfillment over wealth.

### Family and Legacy

Sheridan's frustration stems from losing two sons and having only Bibbs left to carry on his business legacy, which Bibbs rejects.

## Character check-ins

### Bibbs Sheridan

Defends his work in the machine shop, argues against business and industrial growth, and refuses his father's offer.

### James Sheridan

Frustrated by Bibbs's refusal, threatens to force him into business, and laments the loss of his other sons.

### Mist' Jackson

Summoned by Sheridan to deliver a message to Bibbs.

## Key lines

> I don't think making money is worth while.

Bibbs tells his father that he does not believe accumulating wealth is a meaningful goal.

_Bibbs articulates his rejection of business values._

> Wasn't the whole country happier and in many ways wiser when it was smaller and cleaner and quieter and kinder?

Bibbs questions whether industrial growth has actually improved society, suggesting that a simpler past was better.

_Bibbs critiques the effects of industrialization on quality of life._

## Links

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