A Man Could Stand Up— · Chapter
II explained
Tietjens speaks with Mrs.
What happens
Tietjens speaks with Mrs. Wannop on the telephone, who pleads for her daughter Valentine. Tietjens resolves to live with Valentine despite societal and marital constraints. He reflects on General Campion's actions, his wife Sylvia's influence, and the end of feudalism. Later, at an Armistice celebration, Tietjens and Valentine are surrounded by officers, dancing as the war ends.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Resolution.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak where Valentine W…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Love and Commitment
Tietjens resolves to live with Valentine despite societal and marital obstacles.
- The End of an Era
Tietjens reflects that feudalism is finished and the world has changed with the war's end.
- Social Class and Morality
Tietjens grapples with his social position, Campion's actions, and public perception of his character.
Characters to notice
- Christopher Tietjens
Stands at the telephone, resolves to live with Valentine, reflects on Campion and Sylvia.
- Valentine Wannop
Longed for by Tietjens; present at the Armistice celebration, dances with him.
- Mrs. Wannop
Pleads with Tietjens on the telephone about Valentine.
- Sylvia Tietjens
Mentioned as influencing Campion and sending a legal notice to Tietjens.
- General Lord Edward Campion
Reflected upon by Tietjens; his actions and possible adultery with Sylvia considered.
- Captain Mckechnie
Taken by Tietjens to shave during the celebration.
- Lieutenant Aranjuez
Present at the Armistice celebration, blushes and interacts with Valentine.
Key passages
“He wanted Valentine Wannop enough to take her away.”
Tietjens desires Valentine so strongly that he is willing to remove her from her current situation.
Expresses Tietjens' determination to be with Valentine.
“Feudalism was finished; its last vestiges were gone. It held no place for him.”
The old social order has ended, and Tietjens no longer fits within it.
Highlights the theme of the end of an era.
“The word 'Maritally!' burst out of the telephone like a blue light!”
The term 'maritally' struck Tietjens with sudden clarity and intensity.
Emphasizes the shock of Valentine's intention to live with him.
