His Family · Chapter
XXV explained
Roger Gale, burdened by financial worries and Deborah's moral appeal, finds temporary diversion in the return of Laura and Harold from war-torn Europe, who recount their adventurous escape and lucrative war profiteering.
What happens
Roger Gale, burdened by financial worries and Deborah's moral appeal, finds temporary diversion in the return of Laura and Harold from war-torn Europe, who recount their adventurous escape and lucrative war profiteering. Roger is torn between relief at their wealth and guilt over their callousness, while Deborah's relentless work for tenement children reminds him of his own pioneer heritage.
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 Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this passage, Roger reaches his emotional and psychological peak by confronting the devastating realization…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Economic Struggle and Class
Roger's financial difficulties contrast with Harold's war profiteering, highlighting class and moral tensions.
- The Impact of Modernity and War
The war brings both adventure and moral decay; Laura and Harold's greed versus Deborah's selfless work.
- Family and Generational Change
Roger compares Deborah to her pioneer grandmother, linking past and present struggles.
Characters to notice
- Roger Gale
Struggles with financial strain and guilt over Deborah's influence; feels relief at Harold's war profits but later condemns the greed.
- Deborah Gale
Works doggedly on her school project; silently disapproves of Laura and Harold's war profiteering; embodies pioneer spirit.
- Laura Gale
Returns from Europe with Harold, recounting their adventurous escape and excitement over war profits; described as vibrant and unthinkingly selfish.
- Harold Sloane
Returns with Laura, boasting of securing munitions orders and escaping the war; focused on profit and adventure.
Key passages
“Take care of your own flesh and blood, and then be generous as you please—that had always been his way.”
Roger's principle is to first secure his own family's needs before being charitable.
Reflects Roger's pragmatic and self-protective nature.
“How has the war hit you, sir?”
Harold asks Roger how the war has affected his business.
Shows Harold's focus on financial impact and Roger's reluctance to reveal his struggles.
“We are coming, Father Abraham, three hundred thousand more.”
A memory of the Civil War song about volunteers answering Lincoln's call.
Connects Roger's past to the present war, evoking a sense of duty and sacrifice.
