Chapter Two Summary and Analysis

Gerald explains in great detail how he spends his days. George comes up with the idea that Gerald is more receptive if they have their lessons outdoors and they spend many happy hours at the bay, sometimes using rocks to create a map of the globe and sometimes reenacting historical events with the aid of natural land formations and even an unsuspecting animal or insect. When he isn't studying, Gerald spends a great deal of time at the bay with his dog, Roger. There, each goes about his own pursuits with Roger often chasing fish that shimmer in the shallows. Gerald finds in the place a wonderland full of surprises. He describes the various life forms in some depth, including shells, sponges and anemone. One day he spots a spider-crab. He sees it but then can't locate it again...