When Tomorrow Comes (1939) Plot Summary Explained

Philip is secretly anti-union but is drawn to Helen's passion and conviction. He admires her confidence and leadership qualities, and his attraction overrides his political beliefs. This contradiction sets up the central tension of their relationship - two people from different worlds falling in love despite fundamental differences.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Philip is observed being attracted to Helen from across the restaurant, suggesting his interest goes beyond politics.

• philip
• helen
• union rally
• political differences
• attraction

Helen feels betrayed when she learns Philip has been hiding his marriage from her. Despite their intense connection during the hurricane, she cannot accept being involved with a married man. She chooses to leave quietly rather than confront him, prioritizing her integrity over their relationship.

Foreshadowing: The storm brought them closer, but the revelation of his marriage shatters the trust they've built.

• helen
• philip
• married
• leave
• trust
• betrayal

Madeline reveals the stillbirth as a way to explain the depth of her emotional connection to Philip. She and Philip have been mourning this loss for five years, which is why their unhappy marriage persists - they share profound grief. By sharing this painful truth, Madeline hopes Helen will understand why she cannot simply step aside.

Foreshadowing: The marriage is described as unhappy from the start, suggesting something deeper keeps them together.

• madeline
• stillbirth
• philip
• marriage
• grief
• five years

After learning about Madeline's stillbirth and ongoing grief, Helen realizes that leaving Philip is the noble choice. She cannot in good conscience destroy a marriage already broken by shared trauma. Her decision reflects her strong moral character - she would rather sacrifice her own happiness than cause further pain to someone already suffering.

Foreshadowing: Helen's left-wing activism and sense of social responsibility foreshadow her willingness to put others before herself.

• helen
• philip
• madeline
• sacrifice
• love
• moral choice

The hurricane forces Philip and Helen to seek shelter together, creating an intimate setting where their physical and emotional connection deepens. Trapped in his summer home and later a church, they share their first kiss and confront the reality of their feelings. The life-threatening storm heightens the urgency and intensity of their relationship.

Foreshadowing: The date begins relaxedly on his boat, but the brewing storm signals impending change.

• hurricane
• storm
• kiss
• church
• shelter
• intimacy

Philip hopes that by bringing Helen face-to-face with Madeline, the situation will resolve itself - either Helen will accept being his mistress or Madeline will agree to a divorce. It's a clumsy attempt to have both women in his life without fully committing to either choice. The meeting backfires when Madeline's emotional revelation changes everything.

Foreshadowing: Philip's contradictory nature (anti-union yet praising Helen) shows his tendency to avoid difficult decisions.

• philip
• helen
• madeline
• confrontation
• meeting
• marriage

Philip remains married to Madeline because they share the devastating experience of a stillbirth five years ago. This mutual grief created a deep bond that persists despite their unhappiness. Additionally, in 1939, divorce carried significant social stigma, making separation more complicated.

Foreshadowing: The description explicitly notes Philip is unhappily married, implying ongoing reasons for staying.

• philip
• madeline
• marriage
• stillbirth
• grief
• divorce

Helen is passionate about workers' rights and left-wing politics. She genuinely believes in union solidarity and encourages every member to go on strike for better conditions. Her activism defines her character as someone who fights for social justice - the same moral strength that later leads her to sacrifice her love for Philip.

Foreshadowing: Her warmth and confidence are noted from the moment Philip sees her in the restaurant.

• helen
• union
• rally
• left-wing
• workers
• activism