Book 1, Part 5 Summary

Doc Swain is a dedicated doctor and confirmed bachelor, universally liked and respected by everyone in town in spite of his too-plain speaking. The only person with whom he doesn't get along is Marion Partridge, a minister's daughter who is married to one of Swain's best friends, Charles Partridge, a lawyer. Marion has a fussy, demanding, image-conscious personality. Doc Swain refused to acknowledge her lies about her age and to agree with her gossipy complaining about Constance MacKenzie.

Book 1, Part 5 Analysis

This chapter is one of several in the book that seems to not quite fit with the book's overall narrative intent. Yes, it's useful and interesting to explore the character of Doc Swain, who is after all one of the author's most engaging and complex creations. And yes, the portrayal of Marion Partridge is a vividly etched picture of a...