Chapter Four, School Days Summary and Analysis

Daniel's story progresses chronologically, up to his first days of grammar school. The experience of school presents several disturbing encounters, as well as new routines that Daniel finds pleasing. He sees the other children as nuisances that he must deal with instead of opportunities for new friendships. School plays and speeches are distressing events that cause Daniel to become visibly upset. However, he finds comfort in his lessons.

During Daniel's school years, his family continues to increase. Because of the growing number of children, Daniel's parents move the family to a larger home. Daniel remembers two things about their new home: the fact that the year they moved was one of extreme weather in England, and that the house numbers were all prime. The larger family disrupts some of Daniel's routines. He must take a...