Summary

In Chapter 8, the day of the sports competition dawns. Fine weather seems a good omen, and everyone salutes the occasion by donning his or her characteristic and grotesque best. As Prendergast states, “Dr. Fagan encourages a certain amount of display on these occasions.” Dr. Fagan is amazed at his exhilaration, despite the fact that all of his past sponsored social events have been attended by disasters. He feels that this time Paul will bring luck to Llanabba.

Lord and Lady Circumference arrive and the festivities get under way. Llanabba’s unavoidable disasters strike again. Lord Tangent, the Circumferences’ son, is accidentally shot in the foot. The races are run without much enthusiasm, and Mr. Prendergast gets drunk, becoming increasingly talkative and starting arguments. The arrival of the Clutterbucks causes tension with the Circumferences, due to a long and ongoing class warfare between the two...