The Turmoil · Chapter
Chapter XXVIII explained
Bibbs, having overheard Sibyl's cruel revelations about Mary Vertrees's motives, confronts his family and agrees to take the job his father offered, signaling his surrender to the family's expectations.
What happens
Bibbs, having overheard Sibyl's cruel revelations about Mary Vertrees's motives, confronts his family and agrees to take the job his father offered, signaling his surrender to the family's expectations. Meanwhile, Sibyl apologizes to Sheridan for her earlier behavior and then maliciously exposes the Vertrees family's financial desperation, accusing Mary of pursuing Bibbs only for his money.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Mobility
The Vertrees family's financial collapse and Mary's alleged pursuit of wealthy Sheridan men highlight the desperate measures required to maintain or regain social standing.
Love and Sacrifice
Bibbs sacrifices his own dreams and vocation by accepting his father's job, likely to protect Mary or conform to family pressure, while Sibyl's accusations poison the possibility of genuine love.
Family and Legacy
Sheridan's insistence on Bibbs taking the job and the family's concern over reputation and marriage alliances underscore the theme of family legacy overriding individual desires.
Characters to notice
- Bibbs Sheridan
Agrees to take his father's job after overhearing Sibyl's accusations about Mary; burns his notebooks, symbolically abandoning his own aspirations.
- James Sheridan
Astounded and incredulous when Bibbs accepts the job; maintains a solemn, Sabbatical demeanor with his hand in a sling.
- Sibyl Sheridan
Apologizes to Sheridan for her earlier behavior, then deliberately exposes the Vertrees family's financial ruin and accuses Mary of gold-digging, knowing Bibbs can overhear.
- Roscoe Sheridan
Present during Sibyl's apology and revelations; moves to a chair in the library, remaining silent.
- Mary Vertrees
Discussed as the target of Sibyl's accusations; alleged to have pursued Jim and then Bibbs for financial security.
- Mr. Vertrees
Mentioned as having tried unsuccessfully to find a job for over two years; the Vertrees house was sold on foreclosure.
Key passages
“I’ll take the job you offered me.”
Bibbs agrees to accept the employment his father had proposed.
This marks Bibbs's capitulation to his father's will and his abandonment of his own ambitions.
“She sold her piano mighty quick after Jim died!”
Mary Vertrees sold her piano soon after Jim's death, indicating the family's urgent financial need.
Sibyl uses this detail to paint Mary as mercenary and desperate.
“I like poor Bibbs, but if he’d only stop to think a minute himself he’d have to realize he isn’t the kind of man any girl would be apt to fall in love with.”
Sibyl claims that Bibbs is not the type of man women naturally love, implying Mary's interest is purely financial.
This cruel statement reveals Sibyl's manipulation and her belief in her own righteousness.