Barriers Burned Away · Chapter
XI: Too Much Alike explained
Dennis Fleet is deeply moved by a new painting of a scornful young woman, which arrives at Ludolph's store.
What happens
Dennis Fleet is deeply moved by a new painting of a scornful young woman, which arrives at Ludolph's store. He is later startled when Christine Ludolph appears in person, wearing the same dress and expression as the painted figure. Mr. Ludolph and Mr. Schwartz note the strong resemblance between Christine and the painting, while Christine herself is inwardly pleased but outwardly dismissive. Dennis feels embarrassed by his appearance and his intense reaction.
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 Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This passage marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Christine’s…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Art and Ambition
Dennis's deep emotional response to the painting and his desire to see a different expression on the painted face reveal his artistic sensibility and ambition.
- Social Class and Barriers
Dennis's embarrassment at his lowly appearance and Christine's condescending remarks underscore the class divide between them.
Characters to notice
- Dennis Fleet
Deeply affected by the painting; feels embarrassed when Christine appears and he is caught staring.
- Christine Ludolph
Visits the store and is compared to the painting; initially vexed but secretly pleased by the resemblance.
- Mr. Ludolph
Observes the resemblance between Christine and the painting; teases Dennis about his reaction.
- Mr. Schwartz
Called in to give a matter-of-fact comparison between Christine and the painted figure; makes an awkward compliment.
Key passages
“Oh, that I could give to that face the expression God meant it to have!”
Dennis wishes he could change the scornful expression on the painted girl's face to something more kind and natural.
Reveals Dennis's idealistic and sensitive nature, as well as his desire to improve or redeem beauty.
“He evidently thought for a moment, as he said, that the girl in the painting had stepped out upon the floor, and that you were she.”
Mr. Ludolph explains that Dennis was so startled by Christine's resemblance to the painting that he momentarily believed she had stepped out of it.
Highlights the uncanny likeness between Christine and the painted figure, a central motif of the chapter.
