Synthesized answer
Based on the passages, Gregg Mowbry is characterized as someone for whom life is made smooth by "inconspicuous attentions" [3]. He is a man who can be counted on to protect his family and himself, but who would find it calamitous to be "commonly disgraced" [1]. He is also someone who is "cheerfully" adaptable, willing to be almost anywhere [2], and who experiences a sudden, surprising lift of emotion when seeing Marjorie Hale [1].
His established "pleasant way" and the ease with which he navigates life would predispose him to avoid scandal, as disgrace would be a calamity for such a man [1]. However, this same smooth existence might complicate his response to a scandalous situation, as he is described as "an impossible man to approach on a personal affair" [1]. The passages do not describe his actual response to a scandalous situation, so how his character would specifically play out in such a scenario is not provided.
Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.
From the book
sks in anything dangerous which he undertook, Gregg thought; he could be counted upon to protect his family and himself. Yet, if he mistook some element, what a calamity for such a man to be commonly disgraced; and—Gregg thought—what an impossible man to approach on a personal affair. "Well, Gregg Mowbry, I did manage to get you here!" Gregg spun about; there was Marjorie. "Nobody like you!" he exulted, almost aloud. He forgot her father; forgot that he had been thinking of her in danger and himself protecting her. He felt only the little, delightful jump which she always startled in him,…
cial opportunities; consequently no place is more desirable in the eyes of those people eager to appear to possess both. But besides being fashionable, it is convenient and pleasant, so it is chosen by many without ulterior purposes. Of these was Gregg Mowbry, who was there, as he cheerfully would have been almost anywhere else, because Bill Whittaker liked "the place"—this being, specifically, the east apartment on the third floor of an expensive building which otherwise was let to some of those young married people, whose parents were helping them pay the rent, or else to middle-aged,…
idn't say her name that time," the girl added. "Thanks," Gregg said. "No message then?" "Oh, yes, sir, a particular one. The first time she called, she said would you please be sure to telephone her when you came in." "Thanks," he said, and half turned for her to pass him in the narrow hallway of the apartment; and she went forward to bestow the inconspicuous attentions which everywhere made life smooth for Gregg Mowbry; she opened the coat closet and carefully arranged his overcoat upon a hanger and took out the evening newspaper he had thrust into the pocket. Gregg went on to his room…
all right at home; then he ripped the envelope addressed in the impulsive, interesting-looking writing of Marjorie Hale. His hand suddenly clamped upon the note and he looked down, breathing a little quicker while he listened to a strong, steady step which told him that Whittaker had come home. Billy went on to his own room, so Gregg read: Dear Mr. Mowbry: You knew me better than I; for I didn't like "Aphrodite" a bit; but still I'm glad I saw it. And that's not inconsistent. But the purpose of this epistle is this: mother's having a few people in for dinner before we go over to the Lovells'…
aid, bringing him directly to the matter for which, she knew, he had sought her. "Nor about how they have been affected. What your friend Rinderfeld has not mentioned to me, I may imagine from what I knew before of the family. Besides knowing something in general of Mrs. Hale, I saw her once in Field's with her husband; of course I saw their daughter that night at my apartment. I fully understand that Mrs. Hale does not share the disillusionment which has come to her daughter." No mention of Marjorie by name; twice, indeed, deliberate avoidance of it; Gregg appreciated the tact of that…
More questions about this book
- How does the seemingly ordinary opening scene, where Gregg Mowbry arrives home, subtly lay the groundwork for a story titled "The Breath of Scandal"? Pinpoint specific details or interactions that hint at underlying tensions or future revelations, explaining their potential significance.
- Analyze the maid Dora's report of Miss Hale's phone calls, especially the "particular message" to call back. Why is this information presented so early and with such emphasis? Explain how these seemingly minor details could act as the immediate spark for the "breath of scandal" alluded to in the title.
- The text provides external information about a "lost" silent film adaptation and the novel's public domain status. How might a reader's awareness of these historical and legal contexts influence their initial interpretation or expectations of the *text* itself, particularly regarding themes of scandal and perception?
- Considering the novel's title and the brief excerpt, why might the inclusion of a frontispiece by Ralph P. Coleman, explicitly referring to "page 71", be a deliberate authorial or publishing choice? What narrative purpose could such a visual 'hint' serve in anticipating or foreshadowing the 'breath of scandal'?