# Bunny Ross — Oil! character guide > Bunny Ross in Oil! by Upton Sinclair. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Bunny, Mr. Ross, Ross, Mr. Roscoe, Bunny Ross, Mr. Bunny Ross, Roscoe **First appearance:** 0001-oil ## Who they are The oilman's son who grew up half inside the business and half outside its conscience, forever caught between his father's fortune and the workers it grinds up. ## Relationships ### [Dad Ross](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/characters/dad_ross) _family_ Bunny and Dad Ross share a close, often tense father-daughter bond marked by his protective yet controlling nature. ### [Paul Watkins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/characters/paul_watkins) _romantic_ Bunny and Paul have a passionate but complicated romantic relationship, filled with desire and conflict. ### [Vee Tracy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/characters/vee_tracy) _friendship_ Bunny and Vee are close friends and confidantes, often supporting each other through personal turmoil. ### [Rachel Menzies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/characters/rachel_menzies) _friendship_ Bunny and Rachel are childhood friends who share a loyal, supportive bond despite social pressures. ### [Eunice Hoyt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/characters/eunice_hoyt) _social_ Bunny and Eunice are acquaintances within the same social circle, interacting primarily at community events. ### [Aunt Allie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/characters/aunt_allie) _family_ Aunt Allie is Bunny's caring and wise aunt, often acting as a maternal figure and confidante. ### [Harvey Manning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/characters/harvey_manning) _professional_ Bunny and Harvey have a professional relationship, with Harvey as a colleague or business associate in the oil fields. ### [Daniel Webster Irving](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/characters/daniel_webster_irving) _psychological_ Bunny is fascinated and somewhat obsessed with Daniel Webster Irving, a charismatic but manipulative figure. ### [Annabelle Ames](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/characters/annabelle_ames) _rivalry_ Annabelle Ames is a social rival of Bunny's, competing for status and attention in their small town. ### [Jim Ross](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/characters/jim_ross) _family_ Bunny and Jim Ross are siblings, with Jim often protective but also distant due to his own ambitions. ### [Mamma Menzies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/characters/mamma_menzies) _social_ Bunny and Mamma Menzies have a neighborly, respectful relationship as family friends. ### [Eli Watkins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/characters/eli_watkins) _rivalry_ Bunny and Eli Watkins are adversaries, as Eli opposes her relationship with his son Paul. ## In the story ### [Oil!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/oil) Introduced as the young protagonist, observing the oil boom and his family's ambitions. ### [I: The Ride](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/i-the-ride) Thirteen-year-old son, observant and imaginative, contrasts his father's pragmatic worldview. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/i) The boy, who rides with his father and emulates his father's driving style and appearance. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ii) The boy, eager and observant, riding with Dad and marveling at the landscape and the power of the car. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iii) The boy, observing and learning from his father's driving and defiance of authority. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv) Excitedly watches the chase, urging Dad to speed up. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/v) Thirteen-year-old boy, soft and brown, with wavy brown hair and bright brown eyes. He is curious, imaginative, and morally sensitive, pondering the cruelty of life and the mystery of poverty. He resents the nickname 'Bunny' but accepts 'Bun.' He rides with his father to learn the oil business. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vi) Observes the town and enjoys the meal, imagining historical battles along the road. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii) Thirteen-year-old boy traveling with his father, observing the landscape and acting as his father's junior representative in a business meeting. ### [II: The Lease](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ii-the-lease) Sits in silence during the lease meeting, crying over Paul's departure; later helps Paul by unlocking the kitchen door. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/v) Sits in the windowsill, silently observing the meeting and learning from the adults. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii) Observes the lease meeting from a windowsill, then helps Paul Watkins by unlocking the kitchen door. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/viii) Meets Paul Watkins in the woodshed, offers him money and friendship, and listens to his story about running away from home. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ix) Desperately searches for Paul after the meeting, feeling ashamed and heartbroken at his disappearance. ### [III: The Drilling](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iii-the-drilling) Learns drilling from Dad, observes the collapse of the Bonanza Syndicate and its effect on neighbors. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ii) Accompanies his father on business, observes the bribery and learns Dad's lessons about money and trust. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iii) Debates whether Paul is crazy, resolves to stop lying, feels guilty about his comfort, and seeks news of Paul from Mrs. Groarty. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv) Accompanies his father, learns the oil business, and participates in the spudding in of the well. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/v) Observes his family's lifestyle and recalls his earliest memories of Aunt Emma. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vi) Eagerly absorbs his father's drilling lessons and jumps at the chance to visit Lobos River. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii) Observes the Groarty family's financial ruin, secretly sends money to Paul's sister Ruth, and struggles with Bertie's snobbery. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/viii) Bunny works alongside Dad at the well, learns core-drilling and geology, and experiences the thrill of sudden fame and wealth, though Dad warns him to stay humble. ### [IV: The Ranch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv-the-ranch) Struggles with the moral implications of his father's deception regarding the oil on the Watkins ranch; meets Ruth Watkins and feels guilt over lying to her. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/i) Visits his mother and struggles with the dual life of keeping secrets from both parents. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ii) Persuades his father to help the Watkins family and plans a quail-hunting trip to the San Elido valley. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iii) Thrilled by the journey and the Watkins family, especially Eli. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv) Helps set up camp and observes Dad's interactions with the Watkins family. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/v) Lies awake contemplating Dad's code of lying versus his own moral decisions; experiences the earthquake and observes the Watkins family's religious frenzy. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vi) Accidentally discovers oil while hunting, feels conflicted about Dad's plan to deceive the Watkins family. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii) Meets Ruth Watkins, feels ethical conflict about his motives for helping the family. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/viii) Accompanies Dad, observes and internally comments on Dad's manipulations. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ix) Bunny is troubled by the deception he must practice on Ruth regarding Dad's oil business, and is eager to understand Paul. ### [V: The Revelation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/v-the-revelation) Treasurer of the freshman football team, dreams of helping Paul and Ruth, receives a serious talk from Dad about morals and money. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/i) Enters high school, torn between school culture and his father's pragmatic oil-world views; falls in love with Rosie Taintor. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ii) Listens to Dad's business updates and hopes for a role in the Paradise venture. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iii) Treasurer of the freshman football team; goes quail hunting with Dad; learns of Ruth's beating and urges Dad to act. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv) Visits the Watkins home for the first time, shocked by their poverty, and witnesses the religious confrontation. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/v) Explores the land with Dad, listens to Eli's sermon, and proposes a plan for Ruth to live on the Rascum ranch. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vi) Excited to see Paul again, helps furnish the ranch, and feels a mix of admiration and distance from the now-grown Paul. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii) Helps build the cabin, worries about telling Paul and Ruth about the drilling plans, and is relieved when Dad's decision to drill is framed as a response to Excelsior Petroleum's activity. ### [VI: The Wildcat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vi-the-wildcat) Celebrates the oil strike, plans a cultured oil crew, and reflects on his parents' separation and his waning romance with Rosie Taintor. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/i) Accompanies Dad on business visits, learns about the practical realities of politics and bribery, contrasting with his school lessons on civics. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ii) Observes the deal and learns the first lesson of the oil business: never talk about his father's affairs. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iii) Accompanies Dad to Roseville, suggests amenities for the bunkhouse, and observes the road repairs. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv) Reflects on his father's distrust of women and his own fading love for Rosie Taintor; visits his mother and learns family secrets from Bertie. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/v) The young prince who gets to start the drilling of his namesake well. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vi) Struggles with the horror of the accident and the moral weight of the oil business; reads the dead man's letters and feels the loss personally. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii) Excited about the oil strike, rushes to Paradise and monitors the well's progress. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/viii) Watches his well burn and is consoled by his father about his newfound wealth. ### [VII: The Strike](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii-the-strike) Nearly eighteen, Bunny is torn between his father's business pragmatism and the workers' demands, engaging in deep discussions about unions and social ethics. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/i) Nearly eighteen, Bunny is introspective and idealistic, trying to reconcile textbook social ethics with the oil business realities. He initiates a beautification project for workers' shacks. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ii) Spends Christmas at Paradise, debates labor unions with Paul and Dad, meets union organizer Tom Axton, and becomes deeply troubled by the conflict between capital and labor. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iii) Plies his father with questions about the employers' meeting, expresses idealism and dismay at the power of the business combine, and urges Dad to resist. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv) Drives to the field, confronts his father about the strike and guards, and struggles with his conscience over the family's role in the conflict. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/v) Feels conflicted and out of harmony with life after hearing Paul's speech; visits the Watkins family and wanders the town feeling like an enemy. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vi) Struggles with family criticism over his support for strikers and his friendship with Paul and Ruth Watkins. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii) Torn between loyalty to his father and sympathy for the striking workers, he secretly fears the use of scabs and seeks truth from the Watkins family. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/viii) Helps with strike relief, is confronted by Paul, and struggles with his divided loyalties. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ix) Returns to school and celebrates the news of government intervention for oil workers, dancing around the house and planning to tear down the barbed wire fence. ### [VIII: The War](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/viii-the-war) Torn between his obsession with Eunice and his moral qualms; visits Paradise to see Dad and Paul, but returns early to Eunice. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/i) A serious, inexperienced youngster who wins the 220-yard run and is drawn into a romantic encounter with Eunice. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ii) Initiated into adult life and sexual exploration with Eunice Hoyt; stays out late, causing family concern. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iii) Young idealist who swallows war propaganda and drills at school, but also learns from his father's pragmatic views. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv) Friends again with Paul, argues for the war using orators' arguments. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/v) Struggles to balance his oil work with Eunice's demands; his health declines from late nights and drinking. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vi) Visits Paradise, tormented by desire for Eunice and guilt. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii) Returns home late and is drawn into an affair with Eunice; suggests marriage but is rebuffed. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/viii) Grapples with the implications of the Bolshevik Revolution and his own duty in the war, agreeing to focus on his studies. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ix) Struggles with his serious mission to save civilization versus his romantic desire for Eunice; chooses duty over pleasure at Christmas, suffering heartache. ### [IX: The Victory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ix-the-victory) Finishes first term of school, discusses college with Dad, visits Paul at cantonment, joins army and studies military transportation, returns home on furlough. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/i) Passes exams, joins family excursion, listens to debate between Dad and Paul. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ii) Attends Eli's revival meeting; looks forward to officer's training camp. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iii) Bunny goes swimming with Nina Goodrich, has supper with her, and later resists her romantic advances out of loyalty to her boyfriend Barney. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv) Decides to enlist in the army despite his father's pleas to stay and help with the oil business. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/v) Visits Paradise for a farewell look and learns of Paul's deployment; plans to join the army and hopes to command Paul. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vi) Returns to Beach City, faces Grandma's silent disapproval, attends her funeral, and reports to training camp in the South. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii) Returns home on furlough and learns the details of the Ross Consolidated deal, raising idealistic objections to the financial arrangements. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/viii) An officer-in-training, fretting that the war might end before he sees combat, and writing to Ruth Watkins about Paul's silence. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ix) Bunny is in his cantonment as the war ends, then returns home after receiving a furlough arranged by his father. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/x) Accompanies Dad to Paradise, is shocked by Ruth's appearance, answers the phone call from Jake Coffey, catches Ruth when she faints, and drives her to the library. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xi) Expresses his desire to attend college, feeling undereducated and wanting to learn more before committing to the oil business. ### [X: The University](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/x-the-university) University student, track runner, and member of Tau fraternity; increasingly drawn to radical ideas and defending Bolshevik positions against family and acquaintances. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/i) Enrolls at Southern Pacific University, initially enthusiastic about courses but later disillusioned by their emptiness. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ii) Enters Southern Pacific University, joins a fraternity, and becomes a social target due to his oil wealth; seeks refuge in Henrietta Ashleigh. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iii) Returns to Paradise for Christmas, receives Paul's letter, and begins to question the official narrative about the war and Bolshevism after exposure to Mr. Irving's class. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv) Struggles to reconcile the idealistic promises of the war with the cynical reality of the peace, and must explain the Siberian occupation to Ruth. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/v) Takes Paul's letter to Dad, writes to his congressman about Siberia, and later confides in Mr. Irving. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vi) Writes a controversial letter to the student newspaper about Siberia, subscribes to banned magazines, and becomes the subject of extensive surveillance. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii) Bunny arranges for Mr. Irving to meet his father, hoping to defuse suspicion about his radical influences. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/viii) Accompanies Irving to Paradise, observes the refinery and the conversation, shares a knowing glance with Irving about Bolshevik propaganda. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ix) Spends the summer reading, studying reports, and socializing; defends free speech and criticizes U.S. actions in Russia during a debate with Eldon Burdick. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/x) Visits Henrietta Ashleigh, meets Mr. Irving, writes coded postcard to Paul, struggles with conflicting loyalties. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xi) At Paradise, hunting quail and monitoring Ross Consolidated; reads the news of the Siberian withdrawal and excitedly informs Ruth. ### [XI: The Rebel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xi-the-rebel) Defies social norms at university, associates with radicals, and considers starting a student paper. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/i) The discoverer and heir-apparent of the Ross Junior oil field, Bunny is drawn to socialist ideas and associates with students outside his social class, causing friction with his fraternity brothers. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ii) Considers starting a student group and paper but hesitates due to family and social pressures. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iii) Eagerly awaits Paul's return, cuts his courses to visit Paradise, and presses Paul for the truth about Siberia. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv) Listens to Paul's account of the Russian Revolution and the horrors of war, connecting it to their own oil strike. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/v) Questions Paul about the Bolsheviks, struggling to adjust his beliefs. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vi) Experiences a transvaluation of values after meeting Paul; sees the industrial world through a revolutionary lens. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii) Returns to university charged with revolutionary ideas, becomes a center of Soviet propaganda, and brings his father to a Socialist meeting. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/viii) Leads the effort to publish The Investigator, sells copies on campus, and is escorted to the dean's office. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/x) Uses his father's wealth and influence to pressure President Cowper into sparing Papa Menzies from deportation; defends Paul Watkins and refuses to cooperate with interrogators. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xi) Endures the social fallout of the scandal, confronts family criticism, and discovers the betrayal of a spy in his group. ### [XII: The Siren](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xii-the-siren) Finishing his second year at Southern Pacific, disillusioned with the institution; debates returning to Paradise; struggles with his father's expectations and his own radical sympathies. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/i) Finishing second year at Southern Pacific, disillusioned with education, torn between family business and labor sympathies. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ii) Spending Easter at Paradise, hosting Vernon Roscoe, and enduring jokes about his 'Bolsheviki' reputation. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iii) Present during the meeting between Dad and Vernon Roscoe; observes and learns about the oil scheme. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv) Receptive but serious, Bunny blushes at talk of girls and declines Roscoe's invitation due to college. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/v) Confronts his father about buying the presidency, feels torn between family loyalty and his ideals. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vi) Returns to Southern Pacific, finishes his year's work, and struggles with idleness and a sense of purposelessness. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii) Reluctantly joins Bertie on a yacht party, learning to joke about his Bolshevik ideas and Southern Pacific disgrace. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/viii) Reflects on the Volga famine and feels alienated from the wealthy play party. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ix) Engages in intimate conversations with Mrs. Norman, discusses his family and oil wealth, and becomes her dance partner. ### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/x) Resists Mrs. Norman's advances, reflecting on his moral standards and the nature of temptation. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xi) Bunny discusses the economic crisis with Mr. Irving and relays the explanation to his father. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xii) Confronts his father about money and proposes funding a labor college for workers' education. ### [XIII: The Monastery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xiii-the-monastery) Struggles with the realities of labor factionalism and attends a Socialist meeting; later dines with movie stars at the Monastery. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/i) Contemplating the problem of capital versus labor and the divisions among radicals. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ii) Bunny attends a Socialist meeting with the Menzies family, feeling out of place and disillusioned by the internal conflicts. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iii) Accepts an invitation to Vernon Roscoe's estate, the Monastery, and meets Annabelle Ames and Harvey Manning. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv) Narrator and observer of Annabelle Ames and Vernon Roscoe; his reputation as a 'pink' lends him a halo of mystery. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/v) The protagonist, visiting Roscoe's estate for the first time and observing the wealthy lifestyle. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vi) The young oil prince, innocent and a rebel in his own line, is introduced to Viola Tracy and is shocked by her candid conversation. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii) Present at the dinner party, noted for not drinking wine and observing the conversation. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/viii) Present at the screening, receives asides from Vee Tracy about the film industry. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ix) Dances with Vee Tracy and Bessie Barrie, engages in philosophical and drunken conversations with Tommy Paley and Harvey Manning. ### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/x) At age twenty-one, Bunny reflects on the world and his surroundings, swimming and exploring the coast alone. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xi) Swims nude, accepts Vee's challenge to race, and embraces a moment of pagan freedom. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xii) Walks with Vee Tracy, listens to her stories about the Thatcher estate, and reflects on the effects of property on people. ### [XIV: The Star](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xiv-the-star) Returns to Angel City and becomes involved in labor college and union struggles; listens to Vee Tracy's story. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/i) Returns to Angel City and gets involved with the labor college. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ii) Observes labor conflicts and feels powerless to stop the persecution of union men. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iii) Uses the Monastery as an escape from troubles; becomes infatuated with Vee Tracy. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv) Listens to Vee's story and reflects on a man he knows who also values honesty over lying. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/v) Reflects on his privilege and his feelings for Vee, eventually confessing his love. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vi) The young oil prince whose romance with Vee Tracy is now public, bringing him happiness and approval from his family. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii) Visits the Menzies family to intervene in Rachel's education plans and offers financial support. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/viii) Returns to Southern Pacific, engages in radical politics and a relationship with Vee Tracy. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ix) Takes initiative to bail out Chaim Menzies, visits the jail, and argues with his father over the phone. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/x) Insists on helping Chaim Menzies and enlists his father's aid. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xi) Bunny's political education is completed by the incident, and he becomes absorbed in his romance with Vee, neglecting his studies and socialist activities. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xii) Escorts Vee to the premiere; referred to as the 'oil prince' and 'J. Arnold Ross, junior'. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xiii) Watches the film and holds Vee's hand, offering a formulaic compliment. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xiv) Attends the premiere with Vee Tracy, greets Rachel Menzies, and tries to manage the confrontation. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xv) Drives Vee home after the altercation, tries to reason with her about class consciousness, and later comforts her. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xvi) Bunny meets Rachel Menzies on campus and listens to her impassioned critique of Vee Tracy's film, ultimately deciding to delay his plan for a meeting between Rachel and Vee. ### [XV: The Vacation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xv-the-vacation) Visits Vernon Roscoe to protest the wage cut, receives a telegram about Paul's arrest, and wrestles with his conscience over whether to return to California. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/i) Observes the campaign from an Olympian height, struggles with his idealism as he joins the celebration. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ii) Torn between sympathy for the jailed workers and loyalty to his father's oil interests; gives Ruth money for prisoners but feels guilt. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iii) Appeals to Vernon Roscoe about the wage cut, revealing his idealistic concern for workers. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv) Torn between his ideals and his father's health, Bunny agrees to go to New York to escape the strike. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/v) Travels with Vee as his mistress, enjoying the privileges of wealth and fame, but is confronted by news of the oil strike. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vi) Struggles to enjoy his holiday while feeling intellectually mismatched with Vee; visits his mother and receives diamond rings for strikers. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii) Worries about his father's involvement in a corrupt oil lease scheme and receives a desperate telegram from Ruth Watkins about Paul's arrest. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/viii) Distraught over Paul's arrest, he paces and storms about the injustice, but accepts Vee's help. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ix) Struggles with guilt over leaving the strike; tries to reconcile his ideals with Vee's materialism. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/x) Studies for exams, observes Vee's flirtation with the tutor. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xi) Returns from the camp, loaded with exam answers; serves as a rehearsal partner for Vee. ### [XVI: The Killing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xvi-the-killing) Feels alienated from his father's oil dealings, sympathizes with Carberry, and faces tension with Vee over his political and personal associations. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/i) Passes exams, returns to find friends in trouble, debates using his father's money to help radicals. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ii) Visits Paul and Ruth, offers financial help, leaves feeling guilty. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iii) A senior at Southern Pacific University, disillusioned by the corruption in college athletics. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv) Defends the eight political prisoners, threatens to testify, and appeals to Annabelle Ames to sway Vernon Roscoe. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/v) Bunny is beginning to know what he wants and resists being kept from it, causing strain with Vee. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vi) Accompanies his father to the O'Reilly estate, observes the lavish lifestyle, and is questioned by Dr. Cowper about radical politics. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii) Visits Bertie in the hospital after her abortion, learns the truth about her pregnancy and her failed scheme to trap Charlie Norman. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/viii) Bunny meets Dan Irving for lunch, learns of the labor college's collapse, and assures Dan he never discussed his father's business. He later hears from Dad that the leases are approved. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ix) Attends the trial of the Menzies brothers, learns of Ben Skutt's corruption from his father, and funds a title search to expose Ben. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/x) Accompanies his father to Sunnyside, but is more interested in the story of the defrauded rancher Carberry than in the family's oil venture. ### [XVII: The Exposure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xvii-the-exposure) Visits jailed radicals, pressures his father and Vernon Roscoe, and negotiates a fund for socialist propaganda. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/i) Visits the county jail and is deeply moved by the plight of the imprisoned workers. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ii) Issues an ultimatum to his father and Vernon Roscoe, threatening to speak at a radical meeting and involve Annabelle Ames. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iii) Brings news of Paul's release, but is dismayed by Paul's decision to join the Workers' party and embrace Communism. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv) Torn between his love for Vee Tracy and his commitment to radical politics; considers proposing but is deterred by recurring disputes. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/v) Narrator reflecting on Eli's success and the religious landscape of Angel City. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vi) Receives and reflects on Dan Irving's letter about political corruption, struggles with his father's self-justifying lies. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii) Feels uncomfortable at the Monastery due to political quarrels; listens quietly to anti-radical talk and Legion violence. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/viii) Attends Socialist meetings with Rachel, torn between Paul's radicalism and Rachel's moderation. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ix) Tries to mediate between Rachel and Paul, troubled by his own conscience and the dinner party with Vee Tracy. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/x) Reveals his plan to go undercover as a worker, rejecting his privileged life and the oil industry. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xi) Postpones departure due to Dad's illness, feels remorse, and accepts Dad's bribe of a monthly allowance for propaganda. ### [XVIII: The Flight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xviii-the-flight) Editing The Young Student, balancing time with Vee and Rachel, traveling with Dad to Europe. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/i) Editor of The Young Student, enjoying the freedom to express his views, but still being bossed by Rachel Menzies. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ii) Accompanies Dad on strolls and witnesses Eli's indiscretion. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iii) Receives gossip from Dan Irving and publishes exposés on college athletics, enjoying the success of his radical press. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv) Follows his father's instructions to evade arrest, buys a car under an assumed name, and drives Dad to Canada. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/v) Accompanies his father into exile, writes to Vee and Rachel, arranges for his paper and radical press subscriptions. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vi) Observes the banquet and the crude tactics of Roscoe, recognizing the method behind his wild western airs and the new diplomacy of oil. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii) Engages with the British labor movement, writes for The Young Student, and observes the oil scandal's political fallout. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/viii) Accompanies Dad to Europe, hires a socialist tutor, and attends radical meetings. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ix) Stays in Paris with his father, receives updates on his magazine and Paul Watkins. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/x) Accompanies his father in Paris, attends a séance out of curiosity, and tolerates Dad's Spiritualist pursuits despite skepticism. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xi) Present with Dad when they recall the beach hotel incident. ### [XIX: The Penalty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xix-the-penalty) Grieves his father's death, reflects on his father's life and their relationship, and continues his socialist activities. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/i) Travels to Havre to meet Viola Tracy, drives her to Paris, and accompanies the tour across Europe. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ii) On a second honeymoon in Europe, Bunny broods over his encounters with radical editors and a tortured prisoner, grappling with his conscience about the White Terror and his family's involvement in oil deals. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iii) Back in Paris, writing a protest against the Romanian White Terror, dealing with the disappearance of his manuscript and Bertie's anger. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv) Receives a letter from Paul and meets him, deeply moved by Paul's revolutionary zeal. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/v) Eagerly questions Paul about Russia, the Soviet oil industry, and Paul's personal experiences; reflects on the Prospect Hill meeting. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vi) Confesses his three-year relationship with a movie actress to Paul, seeking his friend's understanding. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii) Struggles to balance his relationship with Vee and his commitment to Paul and the Communist cause; ultimately chooses his principles over love. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/viii) Grieves over Paul's deportation and Vee's engagement, attends Socialist meetings, and corresponds with Ruth and Rachel. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ix) Receives a large stock gift from his father, attends his father's wedding to Alyse, and prepares to return to America. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/x) Travels by steamer, tormented by guilt over his father's illness and death, reflects on his father's business practices. ### [XX: The Dedication](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xx-the-dedication) Alone in New York after his father's death and the oil fire; meets Dan Irving in Washington; proposes a labor college funded by his inheritance; clashes with Rachel over editorial direction. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/i) Alone in New York, grieving the oil fire and reflecting on his father's legacy; he meets Dan Irving and pledges financial support to the radical press. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ii) Bunny is dealing with his father's estate, receiving cables about the missing will, and confronting the financial ruin of the family business. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iii) Returns to his newspaper office and reconnects with Rachel and the Ypsels; visits Ruth and is troubled by factional disputes. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv) Discovers liberty bonds in his father's atlas and decides to turn them over to the estate, causing a rift with Bertie. He is forced to participate in legal sessions to reconstruct his father's affairs. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/v) Proposes using his inheritance to fund a labor college, emphasizing discipline and manual labor. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vi) Proposes a radical college and acts as arbitrator among the group. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii) Determined to start a new institution and entangled in estate legal battles with Verne and Bertie. ### [XXI: The Honeymoon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xxi-the-honeymoon) Shows Rachel the oil field, explains the industry's waste and human cost, visits Mrs. Groarty, and plans the labor college. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/i) Looking for a site for the labor college, reflecting on his father and the past. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ii) Proposes marriage to Rachel, expressing his love and desire for peace away from constant quarrels. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iii) Marries Rachel and informs Ruth about the marriage; struggles with his feelings for Ruth and his political alignment. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/iv) Investigates the Prospect Hill field at Bertie's request, reflects on the oil industry's waste, and visits Mrs. Groarty. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/v) On a honeymoon-like outing with Rachel, he witnesses a violent mob raid on an IWW hall and is restrained by Rachel from intervening. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vi) Finds Paul after the attack, arranges for medical care, and stays by his bedside. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/vii) Grieving over Paul's injury, Bunny reveals his deep emotional and intellectual dependence on Paul, seeing him as a guiding light now extinguished. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/viii) Returns to the hospital, consults the surgeon, sends a telegram to Abel Watkins, and reads the election news. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/ix) Keeps vigil at Paul's bedside, handles phone calls and reporters, sends for Eli Watkins. ### [X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/x) Watching over Paul's bedside, listening to the radio, and reflecting on the power of media. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xi) Listens to election returns and helps transcribe Paul's Russian phrases. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xii) Listens to election returns and reminisces about past drunken parties at the Admiralty Hotel. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xiii) Observes Paul's delirium and contrasts it with memories of the Emperor Hotel ballroom. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xiv) Helps hold Paul down and later prevents Ruth from throwing herself out the window. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/chapters/xv) Attends the funeral with Rachel, standing apart from the family. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/characters/bunny_ross - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/oil_se/characters