Look Homeward, Angel · Chapter
XXIX explained
Eugene Gant's first year at Pulpit Hill is marked by isolation, conflict with his roommate G.T.
What happens
Eugene Gant's first year at Pulpit Hill is marked by isolation, conflict with his roommate G.T. Bradley, and a deepening sense of alienation. He meets Jim Trivett and reflects on his reading of classical literature against the backdrop of America's raw, ghostless landscape. The chapter also touches on Ben Gant's rejection from military service due to weak lungs, Helen Gant's subdued life in Sydney, and the patriotic fervor of the era.
Themes in this chapter
Alienation and Loneliness
Eugene's physical isolation in a bare room and his withdrawal from the common life around him highlight his deep loneliness and scornful pride.
The Search for Identity and Belonging
Eugene's struggle to find his place at Pulpit Hill, his conflict with G.T. Bradley, and his sense of being a stranger in his own land reflect his quest for identity.
The Power of Memory and the Past
Eugene's reading of ancient literature and his longing for old ghosts in America underscore the theme of memory and the haunting absence of a deep past.
Characters to notice
- Eugene Gant
Eugene experiences isolation and conflict at Pulpit Hill, living alone and meeting Jim Trivett; he reflects on his reading of Euripides and the American landscape.
- Ben Gant
Ben is rejected by the enlistment board due to weak lungs, appearing thinner and more alone.
- Helen Gant
Helen is living in Sydney with Hugh Barton, subdued by her new life and missing Gant and the mountain town.
- Eliza Gant
Eliza visits Helen in Sydney and comments critically on the cost of living.
- Hugh Barton
Hugh drives Eugene to Pulpit Hill and later secures the Altamont agency; he is married and living with Helen.
- Jim Trivett
Jim Trivett, a good-tempered young tough from a tobacco farming family, is introduced as a new acquaintance of Eugene.
Key passages
“He had come to Pulpit Hill with Hugh Barton, who met him at Exeter and drove him over in the big roadster.”
Hugh Barton picked Eugene up at Exeter and drove him to Pulpit Hill in a large roadster.
Eugene's arrival at university with Hugh Barton.
“Ben went up before the enlistment board and was rejected. 'Lungs—weak!' they said quite definitely.”
Ben was examined for military service and rejected because of weak lungs.
Ben's rejection from enlistment due to health issues.
“He read Poe's stories, Frankenstein, and the plays of Lord Dunsany. He read Sir Gawayne and the Greene Knight and the Book of Tobit.”
Eugene read a variety of fantastical works, including Poe, Frankenstein, Lord Dunsany, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and the Book of Tobit.
Eugene's eclectic reading list during his first year.