Chapter 3, Part 3 Summary

When Julian and Caroline go to see his parents for Christmas dinner, Julian is relieved to see that his father has not yet heard about his behavior at the country club last night. Julian's parents, especially William, are obviously fond of Caroline. Meanwhile, they are loving, but critical, of Julian. His father makes a passing snide remark about Julian's drinking, and his mother scolds him for developing a double chin. Otherwise, the family shares a very polite dinner, during which they give Julian and Caroline each an envelope with a Christmas gift check of $250.

Chapter 3, Part 3 Analysis

The Christmas dinner at Dr. and Mrs. English's home is a very typical portrait of how families behave when alcoholism is present. Although he knows that his parents will hear the story soon, Julian does not tell them about the drunken incident at the...