# XII: Quality and Equality explained — The Virginian

> Chapter companion for The Virginian by Owen Wister.

## What happens

Molly's family in Vermont reacts with scandal to the baby swap story, while Molly's mother worries about her daughter's safety in Wyoming. Molly requests books, and the Virginian begins his education by reading them, leading to a debate about equality. Their relationship deepens as he confesses his love, but Molly resists, fearing she is not the wife he wants.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Democracy

The Virginian challenges the notion of equality, arguing that natural differences in luck and ability make the concept a 'big bluff,' while Molly defends democratic ideals.

### Love and Romance

The Virginian's persistent courtship and confession of love contrast with Molly's internal conflict and attempts to maintain emotional distance.

### Civilization vs. Wilderness

Molly's family in Vermont represents Eastern civilization and propriety, while her life in Wyoming with the Virginian embodies the raw, untamed West.

## Character check-ins

### Molly Stark Wood

Receives books from home, teaches school, and debates equality with the Virginian while struggling with her feelings for him.

### The Virginian

Borrows and reads books from Molly, discusses equality, and confesses his love for her, asserting he is the judge of what wife he wants.

### Mrs. Wood

Molly's mother, who worries about her daughter's safety in Wyoming and sends her books.

### Andrew Bell

Molly's brother-in-law, who expresses interest in meeting the perpetrator of the baby swap prank.

### Sarah Bell

Molly's sister, who questions who Molly rides with and notes her tendency to omit details in letters.

### Taylor

Kind Mrs. Taylor observes the Virginian's interest in Molly and threatens to give her a piece of her mind.

## Key lines

> I think that I've cert'nly earned a good long ride today.

The Virginian feels he deserves a ride after finishing the books Molly gave him.

_Shows his dedication to self-improvement and his desire to spend time with Molly._

> Equality is a great big bluff. It's easy called.

The Virginian argues that the idea of equality is false, as people are born with different fortunes and abilities.

_Highlights the theme of class and democracy and the Virginian's pragmatic worldview._

> I am not the sort of wife you want.

Molly tells the Virginian she believes she is not suitable for him as a wife.

_Reflects her insecurity and the social barriers between them._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/chapters/xii-quality-and-equality
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/chapters