His Family
Reflects on old New York and his family's dynamics.
I
The protagonist, a widower and father of three daughters, reflecting on his past and his spiritual awakening after years of grief.
Chapter II
Lies in bed worrying about his children, resolves to know them better, later secures the house and reflects on his wife Judith.
III
Attempts to bond with Laura over modern culture, feels a rush of tenderness and remorse upon learning of her engagement, and struggles with feelings of being old and out of touch.
IV
Breakfasts with Deborah, learns of Laura's engagement, attends a concert with Deborah, visits Edith's home, and feels anxious about Deborah's future.
V
Withdraws from family dinner, walks through the ghetto, acquires a ring, examines his collection, rides in the park, and nervously prepares to meet Laura's suitor.
VI
Reflects on his daughters' growing independence and the changing family dynamics; feels the pressure of modern life and worries about his children's happiness.
VII
Feels overwhelmed by wedding preparations, visits Edith for solace, and resolves to talk to Laura about her marriage plans.
VIII
Finds peace at home with Deborah, resumes horseback rides, visits Edith and her baby, and returns to his office to revive his declining business.
Chapter IX
Worried about Deborah's health, listens to her confession about Joe Bolini, and spends a sleepless night reflecting on the execution and his own past.
Deborah's Big Family
Visits Deborah's school, initially repulsed by the tenement streets but gradually awed by the scale and vitality of the school community.
XI
Accompanies Deborah to her night school neighborhood, experiencing the tenement life and meeting her 'family' of students.
XII
Reflects on Isadore Freedom and Deborah's way of life; decides to help Johnny Geer; catches Deborah when she collapses and calls for Dr. Baird.
XIII
Worries about Deborah's health, tries to persuade her to rest, and later meddles by sharing Baird's remark with Edith.
XIV
Returns to the family farm with Deborah, reflects on his childhood and family legacy, experiences a vision of his younger self.
XV
Returns to find Deborah absorbed in her school; takes charge of a boys' club; becomes close to Johnny Geer; supports John's architectural ambition and invites him to live in the house.
XVI
Scowls at his daughters' modern ways, tries to keep peace, and conspires with Bruce and Edith to steer Deborah toward marriage.
Chapter XVII
Roger observes and meddles in Deborah's relationship with Baird, reflecting on her modern nature and his own role as a father.
Chapter XVIII
Feels a deep peace as Deborah's engagement to Allan approaches, though he initially snaps at her delay; he reflects on the quiet settling of his house and the fading of his earlier despair symbolized by 'The Thinker' statue.
XIX
Blissfully shares wedding plans with Edith; expresses unease about Edith's comments on Deborah's chances of having a child.
Chapter XX
Awakened by a phone call from Deborah, he rushes to Edith's apartment to find Bruce dying.
Chapter XXI
Stunned by Bruce's death, Roger manages the financial burden and agrees to house Edith and her children, while grappling with existential thoughts about mortality and legacy.
Chapter XXII
Resolves to focus on practical matters, works hard in his office, cuts down on smoking and socializing, and feels the weight of financial and familial responsibilities.
XXIII
Reflects on family tensions after Bruce's death, rides in the mountains, and tries to mediate between Edith and Deborah.
Chapter XXIV
Struggles with the financial impact of the war, considers shutting down his business, and ultimately agrees to try to keep it open on part-time.
XXV
Struggles with financial strain and guilt over Deborah's influence; feels relief at Harold's war profits but later condemns the greed.
XXVI
Feels shame and humility as he can no longer provide for his daughter's family due to financial losses from the war.
Chapter XXVII
Roger feels the weight of family discord, torn between his daughters' conflicting worldviews, and struggles with his own fatigue and desire to escape.
XXVIII
Reads war news, reflects on humanity, feels pride in Deborah's work, then clashes with Edith over John's illness.
XXIX
Decides to tell Deborah about John; feels burdened by family decisions; reflects on the city from a tower.
A Season of Quiet
Feels optimistic about the winter, dresses with care, reads aloud to Edith, and finds comfort in family routine.
XXXI
Roger is troubled by Laura's behavior and her modern, unsettling views on war and society, but he is also preoccupied with other family troubles.
XXXII
Roger is troubled by Laura's divorce and remarriage plans, reflecting on his past and his wife Judith's values. He struggles with his role as a father and the changing times.
XXXIII
Observes Laura's behavior with bewilderment and anger, ultimately feeling old and out of date after her departure.
XXXIV
Burdened by financial worries and family discord, Roger retreats to his study and considers selling his ring collection to pay debts.
XXXV
Anxiously watches Bruce's illness, blames Deborah for delaying proper medical care, and worries about the family's financial strain.
XXXVI
Confronts Deborah about her decision not to marry Allan Baird, reveals his impending death, and argues for the value of family and love over solitary work.
Chapter XXXVII
Roger reflects on his 'sermon' to Deborah, learns of John's business success, decides not to sell the house, and offers it as a wedding gift. He also plans to buy Deborah a special ring.
XXXVIII
Observes the landscape and reflects on the journey as a migration; watches Edith and the children; counsels George on the importance of education and modern farming; feels stronger and sleeps well.
XXXIX
Returns to his office and home, observes changes in John and Deborah, and learns of Deborah's pregnancy.
XLI
Roger waits anxiously during Deborah's labor, reflects on her birth, and later bonds with his new grandson. He observes Deborah's transformation into a protective mother.
XLII
Roger is deeply moved by John's devotion and offers to adopt him, recognizing him as the son he lost.
Chapter XLIII
Roger is in the final stage of his life, selling his business and experiencing a mix of mental fog and clarity. He finds solace in watching the city and spending time with Deborah's baby, and has a tender farewell with Laura.
XLIV
The dreamer, whose subconscious journeys through family memories and apocalyptic visions.
