Chapter 16, Final Summary

Graduation day has arrived. As the speeches drone on, Eddie looks at his class ring and reflects upon his senior year of high school and the major events of that year. As the graduates are named, one by one, Eddie recalls what each of them ultimately become. They file across the stage, receiving their diplomas from and kissing the ring of the Bishop. Alone in his uncle's car, Eddie drives home to the family party awaiting. He makes the ritual detour by Una's house. She is in the back yard, and he drives on, having seen her for the last time ever.

Chapter 16, Final Analysis

Eddie's cynicism is evident as he listens to the speeches of the valedictorian and two brothers. He sees graduation as a a "McDonald's" event—"I'd like one principal, a valedictorian, small size, one bishop with...