Part I
Introduced as a stonecutter and dreamer, whose artistic temperament clashes with domestic life.
The Stonecutter's Legacy
Introduced as the second son of Gilbert Gaunt, a stonecutter who apprentices in Baltimore and later moves to Altamont, where he meets Eliza Pentland.
II
Marries Eliza, builds their house on Woodson Street, struggles with alcoholism, and has a tumultuous relationship with Eliza.
III
Turns fifty and is consumed by a tragic awareness of time and lost opportunities; he descends into a severe alcoholic binge, feeling alienated and humiliated by Eliza's public actions.
Chapter IV
Eugene's father, who delights in Eugene's first word and tells the story repeatedly to neighbors.
Chapter V
Mourns Grover, reluctantly agrees to Eliza's Fair venture, and stays behind in Altamont.
VI
Restores vitality to the family with roaring fires, lavish meals, dramatic recitations, and explosive rituals; shows affection and abuse, carries large sums of money.
VII
Returns from his final journey to California, grappling with aging and the realization of his trapped life.
VIII
Observes Eugene's love of books and dreams of making him a lawyer or politician; argues with Eliza over credit for Eugene's intelligence.
IX
Works on gravestones, rants at draymen, and boasts about Eugene's reading.
The Paradox of Generosity and the Burden of Family
Oliver Gant uses emotional manipulation and guilt to control Eugene, painting vivid pictures of his own death and using the story of 'Little Jimmy' to make Eugene renounce a promised pony. He is a fluent apologist for economic independence.
Chapter XI
Criticizes the purchase of Dixieland as a curse; stays with Helen; enjoys hearing Helen sing 'I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now'.
Chapter XII
Takes Eugene on a journey to Augusta, displaying his roving spirit and pride in Eugene's precocity.
XIII
Suffers from rheumatism, is crippled in his right hand, nursed by Helen, boasts of her devotion.
XIV
Gant is mentioned sleeping heavily, snoring and rattling the window-sash.
XV
His expanding outward nature influences Eugene; he jointly owns the shop on the Square with Eliza.
XVI
Fidgets and scoffs at the idea of private school, deferring to Eliza.
XVIII
Gant is awed and terrified by his car purchase, oscillating between exaltation and despair over expenses, and often curses Luke's reckless driving.
The Angel
Aging and stooped, Gant spends his days gossiping on the Square, weeping over his stiffened hand, and selling his beloved angel statue to Elizabeth.
Chapter XX
Suffers from an enlarged prostate, shows signs of aging and fear of death, tells embellished stories to boarders, and attends movies with Eugene.
Chapter XXI
Gant's health declines; he votes for prohibition but continues drinking secretly, engages in lecherous behavior with a widow, and has a confrontation with the cook Annie.
Chapter XXIII
Writes letters to Helen expressing loneliness, financial anxiety, and concern for the family; reports on Eugene's progress and Ben's aloofness.
XXVI
Undergoes surgery for cancer at Johns Hopkins; is recovering in a wheelchair, feeling hopeful.
XXVII
Says little about Helen's engagement; helps determine that Eugene will attend State University.
XXVIII
His will sends Eugene to university; Ben speaks scornfully of him and their father-son shame.
XXXI
Goes to Baltimore for radium treatment after a violent spree; lies moaning in bed, provoking Helen's anger; mutters about his boyhood as he enters the hospital.
XXXIII
Described as a fallen Titan staring into the Past; gives Eugene money for his trip but predicts he will return quickly.
Chapter XXXIV
Now living in a back room at Eliza's, described as waxen, petulant, and feeble.
Chapter XXXV
Moans petulantly about his own suffering and the cost of the funeral, detached from the reality of Ben's dying.
Chapter XXXVI: The Morning After Ben's Death
Calls Eliza by name for the first time in thirty years, offers to pay for the funeral, and shows a rare moment of reconciliation.
Chapter XXXVII
Mentioned as not dying despite expectations, a source of Helen's frustration.
XXXIX
In declining health, a spectre in waxen yellow, relapses into whining dotage after graduation.
Chapter XL
Oliver's name is seen faded on the old brick, and his angels are on the porch.
