# Chapter V explained — Look Homeward, Angel

> Chapter companion for Look Homeward, Angel by Thomas Wolfe.

## What happens

Following the death of Grover Gant, the family returns to Altamont. Eliza decides to take the children to the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair to run a boardinghouse, leaving Gant behind. Eugene experiences the overwhelming sensory chaos of the Fair, including a terrifying ride on the scenic railway.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loss, Innocence, and the Passage of Time

Grover's death and Eugene's traumatic experiences at the Fair mark the loss of childhood innocence and the inexorable passage of time.

### The American Dream and Materialism

Eliza's pursuit of profit through a boardinghouse at the Fair reflects the materialistic drive of the American Dream.

### Family Conflict and Dysfunction

Gant and Eliza's conflicting views on boardinghouse life and the family's emotional turmoil after Grover's death highlight familial dysfunction.

## Character check-ins

### Eliza Gant

Grieves for Grover, decides to take the family to the St. Louis World's Fair to run a boardinghouse, and weans Eugene.

### Oliver Gant

Mourns Grover, reluctantly agrees to Eliza's Fair venture, and stays behind in Altamont.

### Eugene Gant

A three-year-old who memorizes alphabet books, is weaned, and experiences the overwhelming sensory chaos of the St. Louis Fair.

### Grover Gant

The gentlest and saddest of the boys, who has died; remembered fondly by Eugene for his birthmark and kindliness.

### Ben Gant

Present at the family's return from Grover's death and later works at the Fair Grounds.

### Helen Gant

Almost fourteen, her departure for St. Louis costs Gant more than a pang or two.

## Key lines

> The best boy I had. By God, he was the best of the lot.

Gant declares Grover was his finest son.

_Gant's grief and admiration for Grover after his death._

> If I had known how it would turn out—

Eliza regrets not foreseeing the tragic outcome.

_Eliza's remorse and reflection on the family's fate._

> I'll simply get me a good big house and drum up a trade among the Altamont people who are going.

Eliza plans to run a boardinghouse for Altamont visitors at the Fair.

_Eliza's entrepreneurial scheme for the St. Louis trip._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/look_homeward_angel_se/chapters/part-i-v
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/look_homeward_angel_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/look_homeward_angel_se/chapters