The Virginian · Chapter
XXI: In a State of Sin explained
The chapter depicts a missionary service at Sunk Creek Ranch led by Dr.
What happens
The chapter depicts a missionary service at Sunk Creek Ranch led by Dr. MacBride, whose stern and dogmatic sermon on original sin fails to engage most of the cowboys. Molly Wood jokes about the preacher's text, while the Virginian listens with intense concentration. Tensions simmer between the Virginian and Trampas, as Scipio hints at an impending confrontation. The chapter explores themes of sin, judgment, and the clash between religious doctrine and frontier pragmatism.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the psychological peak where the Virginian, after a long…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Civilization vs. Wilderness
Dr. MacBride's rigid religious doctrine represents the encroachment of Eastern civilization and moral order, which clashes with the cowboys' rough, independent frontier ethos.
- Justice and Vigilantism
The simmering conflict between the Virginian and Trampas, with Scipio hinting at a future confrontation, underscores the theme of personal justice and the code of the West.
Characters to notice
- Molly Stark Wood
Molly jokes about Dr. MacBride's sermon text and displays her independent spirit, teasing the Virginian with a lighthearted remark about never liking any man better than him.
- The Virginian
The Virginian listens to the sermon with unwavering attention, and his new role as foreman is noted. He remains calm and resolute regarding his conflict with Trampas.
- Trampas
Trampas lies sullenly on his bed reading a newspaper, avoiding the joking and preparations for church, and is clearly brooding over his rivalry with the Virginian.
- Scipio Le Moyne
Scipio helps the Virginian move to the foreman's cabin and hints at an impending confrontation between the Virginian and Trampas, but refuses to disclose details.
- Dr. MacBride
Dr. MacBride delivers a harsh sermon on original sin, failing to connect with the cowboys. He is described as tactless but personally brave, and plans to continue northward.
- Judge Henry
Judge Henry hosts Dr. MacBride out of policy and good nature, though he finds the missionary burdensome and compares him to an elephant.
Key passages
“Have you anything different to tell me yet? I heard him say. Yes; I have. She spoke in accents light and well intrenched. I wish to say that I have never liked any man better than you. But I expect to!”
The Virginian asks Molly if she has changed her feelings, and she replies that while she likes him more than any other man, she expects to eventually like someone else better.
This exchange highlights the romantic tension and Molly's resistance to fully committing to the Virginian.
“We know of its truth, said Dr. MacBride, from the severe troubles and distresses to which infants are liable, and from death passing upon them before they are capable of sinning.”
Dr. MacBride argues that the doctrine of original sin is proven by the suffering and death of innocent infants.
This harsh theological point alienates the cowboys and underscores the preacher's lack of tact.
“If I happened to learn what they had predestinated me to do, I'd do the other thing, just to show 'em!”
One cowboy declares that if he knew what was predestined for him, he would do the opposite out of defiance.
This reflects the cowboys' rebellious attitude toward the doctrine of predestination and religious authority.
