Look Homeward, Angel · Chapter
Chapter XXXIV explained
Eugene returns to Altamont before the term at Pulpit Hill, finding the town and nation consumed by war fervor.
What happens
Eugene returns to Altamont before the term at Pulpit Hill, finding the town and nation consumed by war fervor. Dixieland is nearly empty, with only a few regular guests. Ben, rejected by the army, is home and bitterly angry. Eugene and Ben share a room, where Ben vents his frustration and advises Eugene to get what he can from his family and leave. Eliza scolds them for keeping the house awake. Eugene returns to Pulpit Hill, now an armed camp, but is too young to join the officers' training corps. He becomes managing editor of the college paper, feeling isolated as most others enlist. He struggles with his desire to serve, receiving letters from home about illness and family troubles, and wrestles with his conscience in conversations with professors.
Themes in this chapter
Alienation and Loneliness
Eugene feels isolated as most of his peers enlist, and Ben is alienated by his rejection from the army and his sense of futility.
Family Conflict and Dysfunction
Ben's bitter arguments with Eugene and Eliza's scolding highlight the ongoing family tensions and financial struggles.
The American Dream and Materialism
Eugene's pride in paying his own way and Ben's cynical advice to get money from the family reflect materialism and the pursuit of self-sufficiency.
Characters to notice
- Eugene Gant
Returns to Altamont and then to Pulpit Hill, struggles with war fever and his inability to enlist, becomes managing editor of the college paper.
- Ben Gant
Home after being rejected by the army, bitter and angry, talks with Eugene about family and futility.
- Eliza Gant
Scolds Eugene and Ben for keeping the house awake, writes a letter to Eugene about family news and illnesses.
- Oliver Gant
Now living in a back room at Eliza's, described as waxen, petulant, and feeble.
- Helen Gant
Mentioned in Eliza's letter as being laid up with kidney trouble.
- Daisy
Mentioned in Eliza's letter as having visited with her children, who were sick with the flu.
Key passages
“What have you been doing to yourself, you little fool? You look like a scarecrow.”
Ben criticizes Eugene's gaunt appearance.
Ben's concern is expressed through harsh words.
“Get it, and get away from them. Go away and don't come back. To hell with them!”
Ben advises Eugene to take what he can from his family and leave permanently.
Ben's bitterness toward the family is evident.
“Is not this your Sector? Is your own Front Line not here on the campus?”
The Acting Dean suggests that Eugene's duty is to remain at the university.
The professor uses war metaphors to justify staying.