Chapter 20 Summary

Months later, Newland and May Archer are dining in London, having traveled through Europe on their honeymoon trip. They had agreed to a dinner invitation from an old family friend of Mrs. Janey Archer. May is reluctant to go, citing that she does not know what to wear or what she will say. Newland wonders if May had always been so preoccupied with clothing and so unsure of herself in new social situations. Throughout their honeymoon, Newland has finds himself disappointed in his new wife. She dislikes travel, or even conversation for the sake of conversation. Despite his efforts, she does not want to look about her own world and taste her freedom.

The dinner party is very small. May's attempt at conversation is poor until the men finally stop engaging her. Newland meets a Mr. Riviere, whom he enjoys conversing with. May...