The Virginian · Chapter
At Dunbarton explained
The Virginian and Molly travel into the mountains to find a secluded campsite, where they share a tender moment at sunset.
What happens
The Virginian and Molly travel into the mountains to find a secluded campsite, where they share a tender moment at sunset. The chapter then jumps forward to their married life, showing the Virginian's success as a rancher and businessman, and their visit to Molly's family in Bennington and her great-aunt at Dunbarton, where the old lady warmly welcomes him.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Romance
The Virginian and Molly share a deeply romantic moment at their secluded campsite, and later their marriage is shown as a loving partnership.
Civilization vs. Wilderness
The journey from the town into the wild mountains symbolizes the contrast between settled life and the natural world; the Virginian's success bridges both realms.
Class and Democracy
The Virginian, a former cowboy, rises to become a wealthy businessman and is accepted by Molly's family, though initially met with skepticism.
Characters to notice
- The Virginian
Leads Molly into the mountains to a secluded island campsite; later becomes a successful rancher and businessman, marries Molly, and visits her family in Bennington and Dunbarton.
- Molly Stark Wood
Rides with the Virginian into the mountains, helps make camp, and later marries him; she misses their Bear Creek days but enjoys their life together.
- Judge Henry
Mentioned as the Virginian's former employer and partner; the Virginian learned from observing his Eastern visitors.
- Mr. Ogden
Mentioned as an Eastern visitor whose clothing style the Virginian admired and emulated.
- Sam Bannett
Mentioned as Molly's rejected suitor who later married a rich woman and lives in Hoosic Falls.
- Mrs. Wood
Molly's mother, who converses with the Virginian and finds him gentle and handsome.
Key passages
“Tomorrow we shall be among them," said he. "Then," she murmured to him, "tonight is here?" He nodded for answer, and she gazed at the island and understood why he had not stopped before; nothing they had passed had been so lovely as this place.”
He tells her they will reach the high mountains tomorrow, and she asks if they will camp here tonight. He nods, and she realizes the island's beauty is why he chose it.
The couple's intimate communication and shared appreciation for the landscape.
“Bennington will be sorrowful," he said. "No wild-west show, after all. And no ready-made guy, either." And he looked at himself in the glass with unbidden pleasure.”
He jokes that his well-tailored Eastern suit will disappoint those expecting a cowboy spectacle, and he admires his reflection.
The Virginian's self-awareness and adaptation to Eastern society.
“The heart of the ancient lady had taught her better things. ... "Welcome, nephew," she said. "What a tall fellow you are, to be sure. Stand off, sir, and let me look at you."”
Molly's great-aunt warmly welcomes the Virginian, asking to see him properly, showing her acceptance.
The great-aunt's graciousness contrasts with the awkwardness of the Bennington visit.