# Word to Bennington explained — The Virginian

> Chapter companion for The Virginian by Owen Wister.

## What happens

The Virginian insists on writing to Molly's mother to formally announce their engagement, despite Molly's anxiety about how her family and Bennington society will judge him. Molly fears he will be misunderstood and underrated in her refined Eastern world. The chapter includes the Virginian's heartfelt letter to Mrs. Wood, recounting how Molly saved his life and expressing his deep love and respect. Mrs. Wood's panicked reaction and her daughter Sarah's scorn are contrasted with the wise, sympathetic response from Molly's great-aunt in Dunbarton, who recognizes the Virginian's worth.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Democracy

Molly's fear that the Virginian will be judged as a specimen by her family highlights the clash between Eastern social hierarchy and Western individualism.

### Love and Romance

The Virginian's letter reveals his deep, selfless love for Molly, and Molly's protective anxiety shows the intensity of her commitment.

## Character check-ins

### Molly Stark Wood

Anxious about introducing the Virginian to her family and Bennington society; fears he will be judged unfairly.

### The Virginian

Insists on writing to Mrs. Wood to take responsibility; writes a humble, honest letter recounting his love and Molly's heroism.

### Mrs. Wood

Molly's mother, initially horrified by the engagement, calling the Virginian 'a savage with knives and pistols'; writes a panicked letter to the great-aunt.

### Grandmother Stark

The great-aunt in Dunbarton; reads the Virginian's letter with sympathy, defends him, and chides Mrs. Wood for her lack of trust.

## Key lines

> I am going to write to her today.

The Virginian insists on writing to Molly's mother to formally announce their engagement.

_He takes responsibility for their relationship, showing his sense of honor._

> She shall teach school no more when she is mine.

The Virginian promises to provide for Molly so she will not need to work.

_Reflects his traditional view of marriage and his desire to care for her._

> O dear, and this is what I lost!

The great-aunt weeps over the Virginian's letter, regretting a lost love of her own.

_Shows her empathy and recognition of the Virginian's genuine character._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/chapters/xxix-word-to-bennington
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/chapters