Chapter 21 Summary

The children are now being evacuated by the Overlords. As George watches their departure, he is reminded of an old newsreel that depicted the evacuation of children during one of the World Wars. He and Jean see their son, Jeff, as he boards the ship.

The remaining people are left to decide how to live the remainders of their lives. Some choose to live on, while others commit suicide. The island of Athens once again turns into an active volcano, where George and Jean decide to stay and die.

Chapter 21 Analysis

The removal of the children symbolizes the removal of the human spirit. Since parents place much of themselves into their children (emotionally, financially, etc.), a large piece of themselves is gone after their children depart. Therefore, many people lose their will to live.