The Turmoil · Chapter
XXIX explained
Bibbs, having given in to his father's demands, visits Mary and unexpectedly proposes marriage.
What happens
Bibbs, having given in to his father's demands, visits Mary and unexpectedly proposes marriage. Mary, realizing he was influenced by Sibyl's cruel words about her poverty and motives, is deeply hurt and rejects him, telling him never to return.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Bibbs's proposal is a sacrificial act born of pity rather than genuine love, while Mary's rejection is a sacrifice of her own feelings to preserve her dignity.
Class and Social Mobility
Mary's poverty and the Vertrees family's financial ruin are central to the misunderstanding, highlighting how class pressures distort personal relationships.
Characters to notice
- Bibbs Sheridan
Visits Mary after capitulating to his father; proposes out of a misguided sense of pity and obligation, not love.
- Mary Vertrees
Perceives Bibbs's distress, learns of Sibyl's gossip, and is devastated that he believes she would marry for money; she rejects his proposal.
- Sibyl Sheridan
Referenced as having told Bibbs that 'no girl could care about him' and revealed Mary's financial desperation.
- Edith Sheridan
Mentioned as having told Bibbs that Sibyl would have married him out of desperation.
Key passages
“He walks kind of slow and stooped over, like." "So much money in his pockets it makes him sag, I guess”
A passing family speculates that Bibbs's wealth is a burden that weighs him down physically.
Irony: Bibbs is actually burdened by emotional and familial pressures, not money.
“I've had nothing but dreams," Bibbs said, desolately, "but they weren't like that. Sibyl said no girl could care about me.”
Bibbs admits his self-esteem is so low that he never imagined Mary could love him, influenced by Sibyl's cruel remark.
This reveals Bibbs's deep insecurity and the damaging effect of his family's words.
“Never, never, never!" she cried, in a passion of tears. "You mustn't come any more. I can't see you, dear! Never, never, never!”
Mary, heartbroken, insists that Bibbs leave and never return, ending their relationship.
Mary's repeated 'never' underscores the finality and pain of the moment.