Generational Change

Where it surfaces

• Years of Grace

  The contrast between Jane's and Isabel's views on Cicily's engagement highlights shifting attitudes toward love, duty, and independence across generations.

• I

  Jane reflects on growing up and the impending separations as Agnes and André pursue their futures, contrasting with her own constrained path.

• III

  The conflict between Jane's romantic idealism and her parents' practical, cautious approach to love and commitment.

• Commencement

  Jane's departure from college marks a transition from student life to adult responsibilities, while the commencement speaker emphasizes preparation for wifehood and motherhood.

• III

  The contrast between Jane's constrained life and Cicily's modern engagement highlights shifting social norms.

• I

  Jane's youthful detachment from the war contrasts with her parents' serious discussion, highlighting the gap between generations in perceiving historical events.

• II

  The contrast between the older generation's calm discussion of war and the younger men's eagerness to fight underscores shifting attitudes.

• I

  Jane explicitly reflects on the gap between her mother's generation and her own regarding attitudes toward sex, marriage, and gossip.

• IV

  The contrast between Jane's traditional view of marriage and Cicily's modern, practical approach.

• Chapter II

  The chapter contrasts Cicily's bold, modern approach to love and marriage with Jane's more cautious and traditional past.

• III

  The conflict between the older generation's caution and the younger generation's impulsive desires, with Jane reflecting on her own past and the inevitability of change.

• IV

  Jane and Mr. Ward discuss the shift from unquestioning filial obedience to a more questioning attitude in children, reflecting broader societal changes.

• V

  The contrast between Flora's Victorian mansion and the modern commercial surroundings, and the passage of time reflected in wedding preparations.

• I

  The conversation highlights differences between generations in attitudes toward mourning, pregnancy, and social propriety, as Jane notes 'It's a different generation, old girl.'

• Chapter III

  Jane observes the shift from her parents' generation to her own, and from her own to her children's, as she becomes a spectator to life.

• IV

  Cicily's courage and common sense represent the rising generation's freedom from old taboos.

• VI

  Cicily's assertive push for a settled life contrasts with Isabel's traditional views, illustrating shifting family dynamics.

• I

  The contrast between Jane's Victorian values and Cicily's modern pragmatism about divorce, drinking, and monogamy is central to the chapter.

• II

  Jane observes the same patterns of marital disillusionment repeating in Cicily's generation, highlighting the cyclical nature of domestic life.

• III

  The family reunion highlights contrasts between old and new: Mrs. Ward's traditional ways versus the younger generation's cocktails and jazz.

• III

  Jane contrasts the behavior of young people at the ball with the strict social codes of her own youth in the 1890s.

• IV

  Jane observes the continuity of dancing class across generations, yet feels the shift in values and behaviors, especially regarding Cicily and Albert.

• V

  The conflict between Jane's Victorian sensibilities and Cicily's modern, frank approach to divorce and finances underscores the generational divide.

• V

  The chapter contrasts Jane's past with Cicily's future, highlighting the passage of time and shifting family dynamics.

• II

  Steve's decision to embrace Boston and reject his Western roots symbolizes a shift in family values and aspirations.

• III

  The conflict between Jenny's bold plans and her parents' conservative reactions highlights the generational divide in values regarding independence, money, and gender roles.

• V

  The chapter highlights the chasm between Jane's traditional values and Cicily's modern, unsentimental view of love, divorce, and morality.

• II

  Agnes and Jane reflect on the differences between their generation and the rising one, emphasizing the impossibility of full understanding between generations.

• III

  Jane contrasts the younger generation's behavior—drinking, jazz, modern decor—with her own values, feeling out of place.

• VII

  The letter discusses Belle's engagement, Cicily's divorce, and the shifting family dynamics in a modern world.

• Chapter X

  Jane observes her grandchildren and reflects on how children grow up unexpectedly, with different ideas of duty and the world.