Arrowsmith · Chapter
V explained
Martin Arrowsmith, now in medical school, reluctantly joins the Digamma Pi fraternity after initially resisting, influenced by the intimidating Angus Duer.
What happens
Martin Arrowsmith, now in medical school, reluctantly joins the Digamma Pi fraternity after initially resisting, influenced by the intimidating Angus Duer. The chapter introduces the fraternity's raucous culture and its members, including the pious Ira Hinkley, the joker Clif Clawson, and the hapless Fatty Pfaff, who becomes the target of cruel pranks.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Conformity
Ira Hinkley's pious rhetoric masks the fraternity's immoral behavior, highlighting the hypocrisy in using religion to justify dissipation.
Individual vs. Society
Martin values his independence but succumbs to social pressure to join the fraternity, reflecting the tension between personal autonomy and group conformity.
Characters to notice
- Martin Arrowsmith
Joins Digamma Pi fraternity after initial reluctance, motivated by Angus Duer's membership.
- Ira Hinkley
Pious medical student who pressures Martin to join Digamma Pi for moral influence.
- Angus Duer
Brilliant, coldly efficient classmate whose election to Digamma Pi persuades Martin to join.
- Clif Clawson
Class jester and huckster who sells Fatty Pfaff a History of Medicine and participates in pranks.
- Fatty Pfaff
Butt of fraternity jokes, credulous and fearful, subjected to humiliating pranks.
Key passages
“In college Martin had been a “barb”—he had not belonged to a Greek Letter secret society.”
Martin was not a member of a fraternity during his undergraduate years.
Establishes Martin's outsider status and his initial resistance to fraternity life.
“He was sure that Duer cultivated his manner of chill efficiency to impress instructors.”
Martin believed Duer's cold, efficient demeanor was a calculated act to gain favor with professors.
Reveals Martin's critical view of Duer's ambition and superficiality.
“Fatty was of all the new Freshmen candidates the most useful to Digamma Pi. He was planned by nature to be a butt.”
Fatty Pfaff was the ideal target for pranks due to his gullible and timid nature.
Highlights the cruel hazing culture within the fraternity.