Work, Chapter 19 summary
Chapter 19 of 20 · 18 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 19, Christie struggles with David’s death, finds comfort in his flute and her growing faith, and regains purpose through their daughter, Ruth. She works to provide for the child, then inherits Uncle Enos’s estate and divides it between family security and the work David cares about.
What happens
- Mrs. Wilkins and Mr. Power support Christie as military celebrations sharpen her grief over David’s death.
- Wind sounding through David’s flute helps Christie feel close to him and find peace within herself.
- Ruth’s birth renews Christie’s desire to live, and caring for her brings happiness to the household.
- Christie takes charge of the garden and greenhouse, hoping to save money for Ruth’s education.
- During a visit, Uncle Enos warms toward Ruth and discusses inheritance and charitable giving with Christie.
- After Uncle Enos dies, Christie receives his estate and reserves it for Ruth, Mrs. Sterling, Letty, and David’s work.

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In this chapter
What to notice
Christie’s first words after receiving Ruth mark a clear change from longing for death to accepting responsibility for life.
Quick check
What does Christie do with Uncle Enos’s inheritance?
Cite this page
“Work, Chapter 19 summary.” Library of Alexandria, 2026, libraryofalexandria.com/pages/work-chapter-19-summary.
Library of Alexandria. (2026). Work, Chapter 19 summary. https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/work-chapter-19-summary
“Work, Chapter 19 summary.” Library of Alexandria, 2026. https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/work-chapter-19-summary.
@misc{work_chapter_19_summary_2026,
title = {Work, Chapter 19 summary},
publisher = {Library of Alexandria},
year = {2026},
url = {https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/work-chapter-19-summary}
}

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