Bertram Cope’s Year · Chapter
Cope Amidst Cross-Purposes explained
Cope receives a letter from Arthur Lemoyne, who expresses a desire to join him but is delayed by family and work obligations.
What happens
Cope receives a letter from Arthur Lemoyne, who expresses a desire to join him but is delayed by family and work obligations. Cope reflects on Lemoyne's volatility and their past companionship. Later, Cope meets Randolph, and they discuss Cope's living situation, academic ambitions, and Randolph's plans to take a larger apartment. Both men privately imagine a future shared domestic arrangement—Cope with Lemoyne, Randolph with Cope—setting up cross-purposes.
Themes in this chapter
Unrequited and Ambiguous Desire
Both Cope and Randolph harbor unspoken desires for future domestic arrangements with another man—Cope with Lemoyne, Randolph with Cope—creating a triangle of unexpressed longing.
Escape and Confinement
Cope feels confined by his current quarters and academic constraints; both he and Randolph imagine new living situations as a form of escape.
The Artist and Muse Dynamic
Cope's enthusiasm for writing about 'new men' and his desire to break from established literary conventions reflects a tension between critical tradition and creative innovation.
Characters to notice
- Bertram Cope
Receives and ruminates on a letter from Arthur Lemoyne; discusses his thesis and living quarters with Randolph; imagines sharing a room with Lemoyne.
- Arthur Lemoyne
Writes a short letter to Cope expressing desire to visit and possibly move in; mentions his father's disapproval, a road trip, and hopes for a job at the college.
- Basil Randolph
Meets Cope on campus; discusses the campus's appearance, Cope's thesis, and his own plan to rent a larger apartment; privately delights in Cope's enthusiasm.
Key passages
“Yours received. Am glad the year has opened up so interestingly for you. Of course I want to come down as soon as I can, if I can, and be with you.”
Arthur acknowledges Cope's letter, expresses happiness that Cope's academic year is going well, and states his desire to visit as soon as possible.
Lemoyne's letter sets the plot in motion for a potential reunion.
“I sort of sounded father the other day, but he was pretty huffy. I'll try again, soon; but I doubt if I can manage to come down until after the holidays.”
Arthur tried to discuss moving with his father, who reacted angrily, so he expects he cannot visit until after the Christmas break.
Reveals Lemoyne's strained relationship with his father and the delay in his plans.
“Look about a bit for quarters. I presume room-rent is little more for two than for one.”
Arthur suggests Cope start searching for a larger room, as sharing rent would be economical.
Directly hints at the plan for the two to live together.
“I need a little wider margin of room. I can afford it, and ought to have had it long ago.”
Randolph tells Cope he plans to move to a larger apartment because his collection is growing and he wants a guest room.
Randolph's stated reason masks his deeper desire to host Cope.
“I should hope to see you there.”
Randolph expresses his hope that Cope will visit his new apartment.
A loaded statement revealing Randolph's personal interest in Cope.