Idealism vs. Pragmatism

Where it surfaces

• I

  Dad's strict adherence to rules and order contrasts with the chaotic reality of other drivers, highlighting the tension between ideal driving standards and practical road conditions.

• III

  Dad's pragmatic approach to driving—using chains, slowing for traps—contrasts with his idealistic defiance of unjust laws.

• IX

  Bunny's admiration for Paul's honesty and refusal of money contrasts with his father's pragmatic, profit-driven approach.

• II

  Bunny contrasts Paul's refusal of money with Dad's pragmatic view that everyone is out for themselves, highlighting the tension between idealism and business reality.

• III

  Bunny's idealistic resolve to tell the truth and his empathy for Paul clash with the practical realities of the oil boom and family expectations.

• V

  Bunny's idealistic moral reasoning contrasts with Dad's pragmatic willingness to lie when convenient.

• I

  Bunny compares school's romanticized education with Dad's hard-nosed oil-business realism, questioning which is 'really right.'

• III

  Bunny's idealistic outrage at Ruth's beating clashes with Dad's pragmatic view that Abel is the boss of his family.

• V

  Bunny's idealistic plan for Ruth clashes with the practical constraints of family and religion.

• VI

  Paul's scientific idealism and self-education clash with the practical realities of ranch work and family obligations.

• I

  Bunny's school-taught ideals about civic integrity clash with Dad's pragmatic justification of bribery as necessary for business success.

• II

  Bunny's civics-class ideals clash with Dad's pragmatic explanation of how government actually works.

• VII: The Strike

  Bunny's idealistic views on social justice clash with his father's pragmatic acceptance of business realities, as Dad explains that wealth requires standing with the powerful or being destroyed.

• II

  Bunny's idealistic curiosity clashes with Dad's pragmatic business concerns, while Paul and Tom Axton represent a more principled labor activism.

• III

  Bunny's idealistic demand to 'break the combination' clashes with Dad's pragmatic acceptance of the power structure and financial constraints.

• IV

  Bunny's desire for justice clashes with the practical realities of protecting family wealth and the insurance-driven demands of the oil business.

• V

  Paul's idealistic commitment to the strike contrasts with Bunny's pragmatic discomfort and Eli's faith-based approach, highlighting different responses to social injustice.

• VI

  Bunny's idealistic support for the strikers clashes with his family's pragmatic focus on wealth and social status.

• VII

  Bunny's idealistic sympathy for the workers clashes with his father's pragmatic insistence on the harsh laws of capitalism and survival.

• VIII

  Bunny's desire to support the strike clashes with his practical loyalty to his father, and Paul accuses him of being too soft to act on his ideals.

• IX

  Bunny's idealistic vision of a new world without barbed wire contrasts with Dad's pragmatic relief about keeping the wells running, reflecting the tension between hope and economic necessity.

• III

  Bunny's idealistic embrace of war propaganda contrasts with his father's pragmatic focus on oil profits and skepticism about grand ideals.

• VIII

  Bunny's idealistic views are challenged by the brutal reality of the Bolshevik Revolution, leading to a more pragmatic outlook.

• IX

  Bunny's idealistic desire to save civilization clashes with the pragmatic demands of work and the chaotic reality of his relationship with Eunice.

• IX: The Victory

  Bunny wants to go to college to learn more, while Dad fears he will lose interest in oil; Paul's idealistic view of the Russian Revolution clashes with Dad's pragmatic hostility.

• I

  Dad's pragmatic patriotism clashes with Paul's idealistic view of the Russian Revolution and workers' rights.

• III

  Bunny's hesitation reflects a conflict between his idealistic loyalty to a soldier and the pragmatic temptation of physical intimacy.

• IV

  Bunny's idealistic desire to serve his country clashes with his father's pragmatic need for help in the oil business.

• V

  Paul's deployment to Siberia sparks debates about the Bolshevik Revolution and the nature of war, contrasting Dad's pragmatic view with the idealistic justifications for intervention.

• VII

  Bunny's idealistic objections to the unfair financial arrangements are overruled by his father's pragmatic justification that 'that's the regular way of big money deals.'

• XI

  Bunny's idealistic pursuit of knowledge contrasts with Dad's pragmatic view that oil is the only worthwhile study for an oil man, revealing a fundamental divide in values.

• X: The University

  Bunny's idealistic support for Bolshevik self-determination clashes with his father's pragmatic oil interests and Eldon's patriotic militarism.

• II

  Bunny's idealistic search for purity in Henrietta contrasts with the pragmatic, sexually aggressive social scene around him.

• III

  Bunny's idealistic belief in the war for democracy is challenged by the pragmatic and cynical realities of Allied politics and the peace conference.

• IV

  President Wilson's lofty goals are crushed by the cynical realpolitik of the peace conference, and Bunny's personal ideals clash with the grim reality of occupation.

• V

  Bunny's idealistic letter leads to Paul's imprisonment; Irving's pragmatic fear of losing his job.

• VI

  Bunny's idealistic support for Russian self-determination clashes with the pragmatic, profit-driven motives of bankers and the state.

• VII

  Dad's 'patriotic' idealism clashes with Bunny's more abstract ideals; Dad blames the university for undermining practical business sense.

• VIII

  Bunny and Irving's Bolshevik sympathies contrast with Dad's pragmatic business focus and Vernon Roscoe's call for a practical president.

• IX

  Bunny's idealistic defense of free speech and civil rights clashes with Eldon's pragmatic view that revolutionary ideas must be suppressed to protect society.

• Chapter X

  Bunny's internal conflict between his patriotic training and his growing sympathy for the Bolshevik cause reflects the tension between idealistic beliefs and practical realities.

• XI

  President Wilson's broken health and failed peace tour contrast with the harsh realities of war and revolution.

• XI: The Rebel

  Bunny's idealistic desire for free speech clashes with his father's pragmatic fears for the family business.

• I

  Bunny's belief in free speech and cross-class understanding is challenged by both his wealthy peers and the marginalized students he admires.

• II

  Bunny's desire to spread ideas clashes with practical fears of family and social repercussions.

• V

  Bunny's idealistic upbringing clashes with Paul's pragmatic, ground-level view of the Bolsheviks as dedicated workers and educators.

• VI

  Bunny's newfound revolutionary idealism clashes with the practical realities of ownership and industrial operation, as he imagines taking over the refinery overnight.

• VII

  Bunny's revolutionary idealism clashes with his father's pragmatic fear for his business interests, highlighting the tension between moral conviction and practical concerns.

• VIII

  Bunny and his friends pursue truth and social justice through The Investigator, facing practical consequences like dean intervention and media sensationalism.

• Chapter X

  Bunny's idealistic defense of free speech and socialist ideas clashes with the pragmatic need to avoid deportation and protect his university standing.

• XI

  Bunny's idealistic activism clashes with the pragmatic consequences of blacklisting and social ostracism, forcing him to confront the harsh realities of political repression.

• I

  Bunny's radical ideals clash with his father's practical devotion to the oil business.

• II

  Bunny's radical leanings clash with Roscoe's pragmatic, business-oriented worldview, as seen in the joking about 'Bolsheviki' and Soviet negotiations.

• IV

  Roscoe's pragmatic, pleasure-seeking advice contrasts with Bunny's serious, college-bound idealism.

• V

  Bunny's moral objections clash with his father's pragmatic defense of realpolitik, highlighting Bunny's internal struggle.

• VI

  Bunny's desire to study Paul's books and find meaningful work clashes with the pragmatic reality of a world structured around work or play.

• VIII

  Bunny's intellectual engagement with political ideas clashes with the hedonistic pragmatism of his wealthy companions.

• XII

  Bunny's idealistic vision of a labor college teaching open-mindedness clashes with Dad's pragmatic view that it will produce 'reds' and undermine capitalism.

• XIII: The Monastery

  Bunny's idealistic faith in labor solidarity clashes with the messy reality of political disputes and personal egos.

• I

  The tension between the ideal of worker cooperation and the reality of factional infighting.

• II

  Bunny's romanticized view of radicalism clashes with the harsh reality of political infighting, while Papa Menzies' pragmatic approach contrasts with his sons' revolutionary idealism.

• IX

  Tommy Paley's drunken quest for life's meaning contrasts with Bunny's pragmatic evasion, reflecting the tension between idealistic searching and practical reality.

• X

  Bunny's speculative thoughts about the seals and the world's beauty reflect his idealistic nature, contrasting with the practical concerns of the oil and capitalist world around him.

• XI

  Bunny and Vee's embrace of Greek paganism contrasts with the practical threat of social punishment from churchgoing ranchmen.

• XIV: The Star

  Bunny and the labor activists grapple with the tension between radical ideals and the practical need to build a unified union; the 'reds' versus moderates debate reflects this conflict.

• I

  Bunny's idealistic involvement with the labor college clashes with the pragmatic, often corrupt realities of union politics.

• II

  Bunny's romantic view of the I.W.W. clashes with the practical realities of corporate power, and Paul and Tom Axton argue for pragmatic unionism over revolutionary politics.

• III

  Bunny's idealistic escape to the Monastery contrasts with the pragmatic, worldly Hollywood life represented by Vee Tracy.

• VII

  Bunny's idealistic desire to help Rachel clashes with her pragmatic refusal and family pride.

• VIII

  Bunny's attempt to balance his radical sympathies with his comfortable life at Southern Pacific illustrates the tension between ideals and practical reality.

• IX

  Bunny's idealistic defense of Menzies clashes with his father's pragmatic concerns about reputation and risk.

• XI

  Bunny's socialist idealism fades as he becomes absorbed in his romantic relationship, reflecting a shift from political engagement to personal indulgence.

• XIV

  Bunny's idealistic impulse to treat Rachel kindly clashes with the pragmatic social pressures of the glamorous premiere.

• XVI

  Bunny's attempt to see the best in Vee clashes with Rachel's uncompromising moral stance, highlighting the tension between personal loyalty and ideological purity.

• XV: The Vacation

  Bunny's idealistic concern for the workers clashes with Roscoe's pragmatic, ruthless business philosophy and Dad's desire to avoid conflict.

• IX

  Bunny's radical ideals clash with Vee's practical attachment to wealth and comfort.

• Chapter X

  Dad views the tutor's romantic devotion as a resource to be exploited, contrasting with the tutor's idealistic infatuation.

• XI

  Appleton's romantic idealism is contrasted with Vee's pragmatic, workmanlike approach to her craft.

• XVI: The Killing

  Bunny's sympathy for Carberry and his involvement with Socialist meetings clash with his father's pragmatic pursuit of wealth and Vee's insistence on social conformity.

• I

  Bunny debates whether he has a right to use his father's money to support radical causes, torn between his ideals and practical constraints.

• IV

  Bunny's idealistic defense of the prisoners clashes with his father's and Roscoe's pragmatic business interests.

• V

  Bunny's growing socialist idealism clashes with Vee's pragmatic focus on her career and social connections.

• VIII

  Dan Irving's decision to pursue investigative journalism despite financial hardship contrasts with the pragmatic corruption of the oil men, while Bunny struggles to balance his ideals with family loyalty.

• XVII: The Exposure

  Bunny's moral outrage clashes with his father's pragmatic concerns about family and business relationships.

• I

  Bunny's internal conflict between his idealistic sympathy for the prisoners and the pragmatic demands of his family's oil business is central.

• II

  Bunny's uncompromising sense of justice clashes with his father's pragmatic concerns about family and business relationships.

• III

  Bunny's hope for peaceful democracy clashes with Paul's conviction that only revolutionary action can break capitalist power.

• VIII

  Bunny struggles between the idealistic vision of peaceful socialism and the pragmatic reality of capitalist resistance.

• IX

  Bunny's dream of friendship between his ideological opposites clashes with the reality of their deep political divisions.

• Chapter X

  Bunny's idealistic desire to live among workers clashes with his father's pragmatic view of success and security.

• XI

  Bunny accepts Dad's bribe, trading his radical ideals for a practical means to fund propaganda.

• XVIII: The Flight

  Bunny's radical journalism clashes with Dad's business pragmatism; Rachel moderates Bunny's leftist impulses.

• I

  Bunny's idealistic pursuit of socialist journalism contrasts with his father's admiration for pragmatic, profit-driven oil executives.

• VII

  Bunny's idealistic engagement with radical politics clashes with Bertie's pragmatic concerns for family reputation.

• XIX: The Penalty

  Bunny struggles between his socialist ideals and the reality of his inherited wealth from corrupt sources.

• IV

  Paul's revolutionary idealism clashes with Bunny's practical doubts about foreign control of American politics.

• VI

  Paul contrasts his brother Eli's hypocritical asceticism with a pragmatic approach to love and political commitment, arguing that harmony of ideas is essential for happiness.

• VII

  Bunny's idealism for the Communist cause clashes with Vee's pragmatic demand for social respectability, leading to their breakup.

• VIII

  Bunny's idealism leads him to support Paul and attend Socialist meetings, while Vee's pragmatic choice to marry a prince highlights the tension.

• IX

  Bunny's desire to fund a radical paper contrasts with Dad's cautious advice and the practical management of the oil empire.

• XX: The Dedication

  Bunny's plan for a labor college clashes with Chaim Menzies' pragmatic criticism of colonies, and Rachel's insistence on democratic methods versus Communist tactics.

• I

  Bunny's idealism leads him to fund the radical press, while Dan Irving pragmatically notes the necessity of sacrifice to sustain the movement.

• III

  Bunny is caught between Rachel's democratic socialism and Paul's revolutionary communism, reflecting the tension between idealistic unity and practical factionalism.

• V

  Bunny's idealistic plan for a labor college clashes with the practical realities of funding and human nature, as seen in Chaim's cigar.

• VI

  Bunny's idealistic vision of a college for the class struggle clashes with Chaim and Harry's pragmatic concerns about isolation and practicality.

• XXI: The Honeymoon

  Bunny and Rachel's search for a labor college site contrasts with the harsh realities of the oil industry and capitalist exploitation.

• I

  Bunny balances his idealistic vision for the labor college with practical concerns about soil and water, while Rachel embraces the dream.

• II

  Bunny's impulsive proposal contrasts with Rachel's pragmatic concerns about social scandal and racial prejudice.

• III

  Bunny wrestles with whether to support socialism via ballot or direct action, reflecting the tension between idealistic reform and pragmatic revolution.

• VII

  Bunny contrasts Paul's stern ideal of self-sufficiency and independence with his own life of luxury and pursuit of pleasure, highlighting the tension between his aspirations and his actions.

• XI

  Paul's revolutionary delirium contrasts with the mundane election returns and Bunny's pragmatic recording of his words.