Dodsworth
The protagonist, a retired automobile magnate from Zenith, embarking on a European tour with his wife.
I
At 28, assistant superintendent of the Zenith Locomotive Works, former Yale football player, driving his first automobile. He is smitten with Fran Voelker and dreams of a grand life.
II
Feeling older and tired, Sam grapples with the loss of his company and his sense of purpose. He is tempted by Fran's proposal to travel to Europe.
III
Sam sells his company and resists Kynance's offer, dreaming of Europe and a new life.
IV
Returns home late from poker, initially eager for intimacy but becomes defensive about his drinking and resistant to Fran's plans for a radical change; ultimately agrees to go to Europe.
V
Sam enjoys the ship and the sense of adventure, introduces Lockert to Fran, and feels proud of her but also uncertain about her reactions.
VI
Experiences a range of emotions from boisterous well-being to sentimental ecstasy upon sighting England; reflects on the loneliness of the world and his own belonging.
VII
Feels bewildered and lonely in London, struggles with cultural differences, and fears losing Fran.
VIII
Feels out of place in London, misses the familiarity of Zenith, and resents Fran's social ambitions.
IX
Frettes about his own touchiness and struggles to adapt to leisure; feels lonely and out of place despite enjoying the English setting.
Chapter X
Feels insecure and out of place among the British aristocracy, struggles to keep up with conversations, and becomes jealous of Fran's attention to Lockert.
XI
Defends America passionately at the Ouston dinner, explores London's historic sites, and feels a kinship with the city's virility.
XII
Sam finds himself more drawn to art and culture than Fran, but is bewildered by French customs and fears losing his wife to European sophistication.
XIII
Sam struggles with hotel life, feeling old and dependent on servants. He reflects on his provincialism and worries about Fran's growing distance.
XIV
Feels gloomy and out of place at the Café Novgorod, but is briefly excited by familiar faces. He is impressed by the Princess but wearies of social obligations.
Chapter XV
Feels bored and restless in Paris; secretly arranges to sail for his Yale reunion; longs for 'wholesome lowness' and American pastimes; visits Notre Dame alone and feels a connection to the cathedral's builders.
XVI
Returns to America aboard the Aquitania, feeling sentimental about home but becoming disillusioned with New York's chaos and the 'God of Speed.'
XVII
Reflects on his unsettled feelings about America and Europe, debates socialism with Sheila Richards, and struggles to connect with his son Brent.
XVIII
Returns to America for his Yale reunion, feeling both nostalgic and alienated from his old life.
XIX
Returns to Zenith, feels increasingly distant from old friends, reflects on his marriage and Fran's nature, considers a new business venture, and decides to reunite with Fran in Paris.
XX
Confronts Fran about her affair with Arnold Israel, threatens divorce, and insists she cut off all contact.
XXI
Reflects on the boredom of travel, his relationship with Fran, and his growing critical view of her.
Chapter XXII
Feels out of place in Berlin's nightlife but appreciates Kurt's character; reflects on Fran's past suitors and his own jealousy.
Chapter XXIII
Listens to Fran's speech with growing panic, realizing she is bored with him and desires a European husband; later defends American culture in a debate with Professor Braut.
XXIV
Feels reduced to being Fran's attendant; struggles with his lost identity and inability to confront Fran or Kurt.
XXV
Receives news of his grandson, feels a mix of joy and loneliness, struggles with his marriage and desires.
Chapter XXVI
Helps Tub Pearson when he is drunk, listens to Matey's frank advice about Fran, and later shows Tub around Paris.
XXVII
Lonely and restless in Paris after the Pearsons leave; broods over Fran's letters and decides to pursue a casual affair, but ends up abandoned by Elsa.
XXVIII
Resolves to reconcile with Fran, flies to Paris, confronts Fran and Kurt, agrees to leave, and falls asleep on the couch.
XXIX
Resolves to leave Berlin, packs, and has a final confrontation with Fran and Kurt.
The Wandering of Samuel Dodsworth
Wanders Europe alone, drinking heavily, brooding over Fran, and trying to find purpose.
XXXI
Settles into a quiet routine in Venice, sketching and reading; reflects on what he has learned in Europe and admits his ignorance; accepts Edith Cortright's dinner invitation.
XXXII
Sam experiences a brief, intoxicating vision of freedom and travel, but struggles with loneliness and the temptation of alcohol. He is repelled by the vulgarity of the American party and deeply moved by Edith Cortright's serene home.
XXXIII
Receives Fran's letter, feels lonely and troubled; visits Edith and travels with her to Naples; begins to see Italy and his own future more clearly.
XXXIV
Finds a new, outdoor Edith; explores Italy with her; contemplates a future farm or garden suburb; feels pity for Fran after hearing Viennese operettas.
XXXV
Struggles with his decision to return to Fran, feeling torn between duty and his growing love for Edith.
XXXVI
Sam feels alienated from Fran, reflects on their past, and decides to reach out to Edith Cortright.
