Summary

In April, the White Sox have their first home game of the season at Comiskey Park. Edward is still ill. The protagonist, Edward, Pawlowsky, and some other residents gather to listen to the baseball game together on the radio. However, one resident—a department store detective named Horace—tells them to leave the radio off. Horace then correctly predicts the final score and several major plays of the game. At the beginning of Chapter 12, the protagonist attempts to define “Chicagoness” (107), describing it as a feeling heavily associated with trademark activities, foods, and other traits of the city. The protagonist then ponders the idea that the true identity of the city is defined by its aspects of life that are less visible or prominent. One day, the protagonist, Elminides, and Pawlowsky bring Edward to the lake to catch fish—a favorite activity of Edward’s...