CHAPTER X. -Crome yellow

In Chapter X of “Crome Yellow,” the atmosphere of a lively social gathering unfolds through Denis’s introspective and disengaged perspective. The story vividly describes a scene where the characters are engaging in a dance, while Denis, who does not partake, becomes an observer to the vibrant, albeit to him, discomforting scene around him. Alternating between feelings of exclusion and self-criticism, Denis reflects on his perceived inadequacies.

The chapter opens with a detailed portrayal of ragtime music emanating from the pianola, transforming the room into a dynamic dance floor. The pianola, operated by Henry Wimbush, becomes the source of vivacious music that animates the guests, except for Denis, who remains an external observer, likening the music and the resulting inner turmoil to the onset of a disease—indicating his discomfort with the social scene.

Henry Wimbush exhibits patience and detachment as he manages the pianola, with Gombauld and Anne exemplifying a harmonious dance partnership, seeming to merge into a single entity. Meanwhile, Mr. Scogan and Mary share a dance, with a hint of buffoonery in Mr. Scogan’s movements; Jenny is seen scribbling away in seclusion, and Priscilla engages in a lofty conversation with Mr. Barbecue-Smith about optimism, pessimism, and the essence of one’s soul in relation to the universe.

Denis’s internal struggle is highlighted by his observations and reactions to the festivities. He envies Gombauld’s boldness and aesthetic attributes, contrasting them with his own perceived ‘woolly’ inadequacy. The music and the dance evoke in Denis a feeling of being out of place, underscored by his self-aware reflection on why he isn’t like the others, particularly Gombauld, who embodies confidence and allure.

As the music shifts to a waltz, Anne requests a change in tempo, showcasing a direct involvement in shaping the evening’s atmosphere. Denis, still lost in his thoughts, encounters Mary, who questions his choice to read instead of dance, suggesting a preference for quiet reflection over the perceived monotony of dancing. Denis’s irritation grows as the conversation progresses, feeling besieged by Mary’s inquiries and the ongoing discussions among the other guests, including Priscilla’s concerns about the implications of Einstein’s theory on astrology.

Through detailed descriptions, reflective inner monologues, and varied social interactions, Chapter X of “Crome Yellow” vividly captures a microcosm of interwar society’s dynamics, highlighting individual and collective pursuits of meaning, pleasure, and identity.