XXXI explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Bigness and Industrialization

  The chapter satirizes the worship of 'Bigness' in business and the city's relentless pursuit of growth, where commerce is treated as religion.

• Class and Social Mobility

  Bibbs learns the harsh realities of business, including the vulnerability of the poor and the corrupt distribution of city revenues.

• Mortality and Health

  Sheridan's mutilated hand and his wife's fainting spell highlight physical vulnerability and the impact of injury on family life.

Characters to notice

• Bibbs Sheridan

  Bibbs works tirelessly in business, suppressing thought and song, and buys Mr. Vertrees's failed stock.

• James Sheridan

  Sheridan questions Bibbs about the stock purchase, then reveals his amputated fingers to his wife, causing her to faint.

• Roscoe Sheridan

  Mentioned as having once said that Mary Vertrees turned Sibyl out of the house.

• Sibyl Sheridan

  Referenced in the context of a past incident where she made a fuss and was possibly turned out by Mary Vertrees.

• Mr. Vertrees

  His failed stock is purchased by Bibbs for $1,155.

• Dr. Gurney

  Gurney removed the bandages from Sheridan's hand and advised on matters concerning Mary Vertrees.

Key passages

• “And so Bibbs sat in the porch of the temple with the money-changers. But no one came to scourge him forth, for this was the temple of Bigness, and the changing of money was holy worship and true religion.”

  Bibbs joined the world of finance and industry, where making money was treated as a sacred duty.

  This opening metaphor establishes the chapter's critique of capitalism as a religion.

• “The streets were dangerous enough, in all conscience, without any singing! and the Motor Federation issued public warnings declaring that the pedestrian’s life was in his own hands, and giving directions how to proceed with the least peril.”

  The city streets were so hazardous that the Motor Federation warned pedestrians to be extremely careful.

  Highlights the dangers of urban life and the dominance of automobiles.

• “The control of the city lay not with them, but was usually obtained by giving the hordes of negroes gin-money, and by other largesses.”

  Political control was achieved through bribing Black voters with alcohol and other payoffs.

  Reveals the corrupt and racist political practices of the era.

• “For the voice of the people is the voice of their god.”

  The people's collective opinion is treated as divine authority.

  Ironically underscores the blind patriotism and conformity in the city.

• “He had to jump for her⁠—she went over backward. For the second time in her life Mrs. Sheridan fainted.”

  Sheridan had to catch his wife as she fainted upon seeing his mutilated hand.

  Dramatic moment showing the emotional impact of Sheridan's injury on his wife.