# X: Where Fancy Was Bred explained — The Virginian

> Chapter companion for The Virginian by Owen Wister.

## What happens

At the Swintons' barbecue and dance, the Virginian arrives and hears talk of Molly Wood's many suitors, including Lin McLean's failed attempt to kiss her. The Virginian, having saved her from drowning earlier, feels a mix of pride and grievance. He cleans up and enters the dance, but Molly avoids him, pretending not to notice him, which deepens his intrigue.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Romance

The chapter explores the romantic dynamics between Molly Wood and her many suitors, including the Virginian's quiet rivalry and Lin McLean's rebuff.

### Masculinity and Honor

The Virginian's pride and sense of injury over Molly's slight, as well as the men's competitive banter, reflect codes of masculine honor.

## Character check-ins

### The Virginian

Arrives at the Swintons' barbecue, listens to talk about Molly Wood's suitors, feels pride and grievance over her, cleans up for the dance, and is noticed by Molly who avoids him.

### Molly Stark Wood

The schoolmarm is the subject of gossip about her many suitors; she dances with various married men and deliberately ignores the Virginian at the dance.

### Lin McLean

Tells the story of his failed attempt to kiss Molly Wood, which led to her calling him an 'exception'; he watches the dance gloomily with the Virginian.

### Trampas

Present at the barbecue, makes a snide comment about the Virginian's ranking among Molly's suitors.

### Honey Wiggin

Entertains the crowd with humorous stories about Molly Wood's suitors, including Bokay Baldy's failed gift of slippers.

### Uncle Hughey

Dances with Molly Wood, much to the Virginian's annoyance, despite having a wife and twins.

## Key lines

> “Well, boys,” said Wiggin, “I expect it will be Miss Schoolmarm says who’s number one tonight.”

Wiggin suggests that Molly Wood will decide who is the most important suitor.

_Highlights the social competition for Molly's attention._

> “Trample is what she has done on me tonight, and without notice.”

Lin McLean feels that Molly has treated him harshly and unexpectedly.

_Shows Lin's frustration after his failed advance._

> “She knowed me right away,” said he.

The Virginian realizes that Molly recognized him immediately despite her pretense.

_Indicates the Virginian's awareness of Molly's deliberate avoidance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/chapters/x-where-fancy-was-bred
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/chapters