The Plastic Age · Chapter
XXVII explained
Hugh's parents arrive for his graduation.
What happens
Hugh's parents arrive for his graduation. The campus is filled with alumni, including the 'five year' classes and twelve men from the fifty-year class. Hugh reflects on the bittersweet nature of graduation, the sadness of the seniors, and the drunken attempts of alumni to recapture their youth. The graduation ceremony is a blur; Hugh receives his diploma and feels a strange thrill. Afterward, a final senior dance reminds him of Cynthia. He takes a last moonlit tour of the campus, filled with memories, and listens to seniors singing the alma mater, feeling both happy and sad.
Themes in this chapter
Disillusionment and Loss of Innocence
Seniors are sad and frightened about leaving college; alumni drunkenly try to recapture lost youth, highlighting the end of innocence.
College Life: Idealism vs. Reality
Hugh reflects on the beauty of college and the uncertain 'world outside,' contrasting idealistic memories with the reality of graduation.
Characters to notice
- Hugh Carver
Graduates from Sanford, reflects on his college years and the bittersweet farewell.
- Cynthia Day
Hugh thinks of her tenderly during the final dance and his last campus tour.
- Carl Peters
Hugh pauses before Surrey Hall, remembering Carl.
- Norry Parker
Hugh recalls Norry during his walk past Keller Hall.
- Pudge Jamieson
Hugh remembers Pudge rooming in Surrey Hall.
- Professor Henley
Hugh recalls Henley's earlier words about Sanford being far from perfect but gripping one's heart.
Key passages
“He was graduated; he was a bachelor of science.”
Hugh received his diploma and officially became a bachelor of science.
Marks the formal completion of Hugh's college education.
“He was both happy and sad—happy because the great adventure was before him with all its mystery, sad because he was leaving something beautiful behind.”
Hugh felt a mix of joy for the future and sorrow for leaving college.
Captures the central emotional conflict of the chapter.