Part X Summary

Part X begins with Thomas brooding about the direction his life has taken. He knows that he has reached the high point in his life and he wonders what he is to do now. As his business fortune has decreased, the fortunes of his town have increased. It has finally joined the customs union and has seen its trade with neighboring towns increase substantially. Thomas knows that because he elected to join the business early instead of going to school, he can never reach the highest rank in politics. This thought torments him. He spends his days acting the part of the prosperous merchant, though he feels no pleasure in the act anymore.

Hanno remains anemic and no more interested in the family business than he has ever been. His father tries to neutralize the boy's interest in music to no...