# XXVI explained — The Turmoil

> Chapter companion for The Turmoil by Booth Tarkington.

## What happens

Bibbs is summoned by his father, Sheridan, who is in a rage over Edith's elopement and Bibbs's refusal to enter the family business. Dr. Gurney mediates, defending Bibbs's choice to work in the machine shop and pursue writing. Sheridan rants about the fate of J. R. Tracy's bank, which fell to a 'cigarette boy,' and fears the same for his own legacy. Bibbs stands firm, drawing courage from Mary's look, and leaves the room.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Legacy

Sheridan's obsession with his legacy and fear of losing his life's work to a spendthrift son-in-law drives the conflict.

### Individualism vs. Conformity

Bibbs asserts his individuality by refusing his father's business offer and choosing to work in the machine shop.

### Class and Social Mobility

Sheridan's story of J. R. Tracy illustrates how wealth can be squandered by the next generation, highlighting class anxieties.

## Character check-ins

### Bibbs Sheridan

Refuses his father's business offer, chooses to stay in the machine shop, and stands up to Sheridan's rage.

### James Sheridan

Furious over Edith's elopement and Bibbs's defiance, he rants about legacy and the Tracy bank, injuring his hand.

### Dr. Gurney

Treats Sheridan's hand, defends Bibbs's choices, and tries to reason with Sheridan about giving Bibbs a chance.

### Roscoe Sheridan

Present in the scene, tearfully obeying Sheridan's commands and witnessing the confrontation.

### Edith Sheridan

Referenced as having eloped with Robert Lamhorn; Sheridan rants about her spending and future return.

### Robert Lamhorn

Mentioned as the 'cigarette' son-in-law with whom Edith eloped; Sheridan despises him.

## Key lines

> Bibbs, will you come downtown with me Monday morning and let me start you with two vice-presidencies, a directorship, stock, and salaries? I ask you.

Sheridan offers Bibbs high-level positions in the family business.

_Sheridan's attempt to bribe Bibbs into conformity._

> He wants to be a plumber so he can think!

Sheridan mocks Bibbs's desire for manual labor to free his mind for writing.

_Highlights the clash between practical business and intellectual pursuits._

> My name ain't Tracy, and there ain't goin' to be any Tracy business in the Sheridan family.

Sheridan vows not to let his fortune fall into the hands of a spendthrift son-in-law like Tracy's did.

_Sheridan's fear of losing his legacy mirrors the Tracy parable._

## Links

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