# XXXII: Cope Takes His Degree explained — Bertram Cope’s Year

> Chapter companion for Bertram Cope’s Year by Henry Blake Fuller.

## What happens

Bertram Cope prepares to leave after taking his degree, while Randolph and Medora Phillips reflect on his aloofness and attend the convocation together. At the ceremony, Cope receives his diploma and is briefly congratulated by his parents and Carolyn Thorpe, before quickly moving on.

## Themes in this chapter

### Unrequited and Ambiguous Desire

Randolph and Medora both seek Cope's attention and affection, but he remains indifferent, prioritizing his own plans.

### Youth vs. Middle Age

Cope's youth and ambition contrast with the older Randolph and Medora, who feel sidelined and nostalgic for his presence.

### Performance and Artifice

Cope's composed demeanor at convocation is described as a 'farewell performance,' highlighting the theatricality of social interactions.

## Character check-ins

### Bertram Cope

Takes his degree at convocation, appears aloof and distant from Randolph and Medora, and quickly departs with his parents.

### Basil Randolph

Reflects on Cope's indifference, attends convocation with Medora, and observes Cope's brief interaction with his family.

### Medora Phillips

Feels lonely after the departures of Amy, Hortense, and Carolyn; attends convocation with Randolph and notes Cope's charm.

### Joe Foster

Expresses blunt opinions about Cope, calling his behavior 'nearer ingratitude,' and declines to attend convocation.

### Carolyn Thorpe

Returns from spring vacation and congratulates Cope at convocation, prompting Medora's mild irritation.

## Key lines

> It's just as well that he went, said Randolph to himself. His presence here was no advantage to Bertram—nor to anybody else.

Randolph thinks Lemoyne's departure is beneficial, as his influence on Cope was negative.

_Randolph's private relief at Lemoyne's absence._

> I wonder if it's sensitiveness? asked Randolph of Foster. His chum didn't go away in the best of good odor.

Randolph speculates whether Cope's distance is due to embarrassment over Lemoyne's departure.

_Randolph's attempt to understand Cope's behavior._

> Then I would put it somewhere between indifference and ingratitude. Nearer the latter. We know the young.

Foster bluntly characterizes Cope's behavior as closer to ingratitude than indifference.

_Foster's harsh judgment of Cope._

> He is as charming as ever! thought Medora Phillips. He's had a hard pull of it, commented Randolph.

Medora and Randolph both admire Cope's appearance and acknowledge his struggles.

_Their mixed admiration and concern for Cope._

> What nice, good, pleasant, friendly people they are! breathed Carolyn.

Carolyn expresses warm approval of Cope's parents.

_Carolyn's effusive reaction to meeting Cope's family._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bertram_cope_s_year_se/chapters/xxxii-cope-takes-his-degree
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bertram_cope_s_year_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/bertram_cope_s_year_se/chapters