National Avenue · Chapters

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Chapter companions for National Avenue by Booth Tarkington.

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Chapter 1
Dedication
The book is dedicated to S. K. T.
Chapter 2
National Avenue
Dan Oliphant's marriage to Lena McMillan is met with disapproval from his family, particularly his mother and grandmother, Mrs. Savage. The couple moves into a house on National Avenue, where Lena struggles with the provincial life and Dan's family expectations. Tensions rise as Lena feels alienated and Dan becomes increasingly absorbed in his work and family obligations.
Chapter 3
I
The chapter introduces the Oliphant brothers, Harlan and Dan, contrasting their personalities and stately home on National Avenue. It describes their childhood differences: Harlan is fastidious and aristocratic, while Dan is lively and associates with all classes. A childhood quarrel over Dan's partnership with Sam Kohn in a bracket-making venture reveals their uncongenial yet neutral relationship, which persists through their college years at Yale.
Chapter 4
II
Dan Oliphant graduates from university and spends time in New York, where he meets Lena McMillan through her brother George. Despite the McMillans' reserved hospitality, Dan is captivated by Lena and receives an invitation to a charity ball, where they dance and share a flirtatious conversation.
Chapter 5
III
Dan Oliphant returns home from New York and walks with his childhood friend Martha Shelby. He confesses that he is engaged to a woman from New York, causing Martha to react with quiet sadness. Dan expresses his deep attachment to his hometown and his hope to settle there with his fiancée.

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Dedication

National Avenue

I

II

III