# XXVII explained — Stover at Yale

> Chapter companion for Stover at Yale by Owen Johnson.

## What happens

Stover, after his sobering experience with Fanny Le Roy, confronts the senior society elections with newfound honesty. He debates the evils of secrecy and ceremony in Skull and Bones, deciding to speak to Judge Story about his beliefs despite Jean's opposition. On Tap Day, Stover, Hungerford, Story, and Regan wait together; Hunter is tapped first for Bones, while Stover and Hungerford are passed over. Afterward, Stover and Hungerford discuss the outcome with Brockhurst, who dreams of a visionary Yale.

## Themes in this chapter

### Critique of Tradition and Secrecy

Stover openly criticizes the secrecy and ceremony of Skull and Bones, arguing it is un-American, undemocratic, and stultifying, despite acknowledging its positive aims.

### Individual vs. Institution

Stover struggles between his personal integrity and the institutional pressures of senior society elections, ultimately choosing to voice his beliefs regardless of the consequences.

### Friendship and Loyalty

The bond between Stover, Hungerford, Regan, and Story is highlighted as they support each other through the tension of Tap Day, and Hungerford cheers for Bones despite being passed over.

## Character check-ins

### Dink Stover

Resolves to be true to himself regarding senior society elections; decides to speak to Judge Story about his opposition to secrecy; is not tapped for Skull and Bones.

### Jean Story

Opposes Stover's plan to speak to her father about Skull and Bones; watches the tapping from Durfee and supports Stover emotionally.

### Joe Hungerford

Waits with Stover for the tapping; is passed over but cheers for Bones; later discusses the outcome with Stover and Brockhurst.

### Tom Regan

One of Stover's roommates; remains calm during the waiting period; locks arms with the group on Tap Day.

### Bob Story

Accompanies Stover to see Jean before Tap Day; waits with the group and expresses confidence in Stover's election.

### Sidney Brockhurst

Misses out on tapping; joins Stover and Hungerford afterward; voices a visionary dream for Yale's future.

## Key lines

> One result of Stover’s sobering experience with Fanny Le Roy was that he met the problem of the senior elections with directness and honesty.

After his disillusioning encounter with Fanny Le Roy, Stover approached the senior society elections with a newfound straightforwardness and integrity.

_This marks a turning point in Stover's character, leading him to confront the society system._

> I’ve come to the point where I believe secrecy is un-American, undemocratic and stultifying; and, as I say, totally unnecessary.

Stover declares that he now considers secrecy to be contrary to American values, undemocratic, and intellectually limiting, and completely avoidable.

_Stover articulates his core objection to the senior society's traditions._

> The thing is so big a thing that it ought not to be hampered by bug-a-boo methods.

The society's important mission should not be hindered by scare tactics or childish rituals.

_Stover expresses his hope to reform the society from within after being tapped._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/stover_at_yale_se/chapters/xxvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/stover_at_yale_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/stover_at_yale_se/chapters