Summary

Dean Caudwell subtly admonishes Marcus for failing to find a solution to peaceful coexistence with his roommates as opposed to simply leaving. Caudwell insinuates that Marcus’ failure to get along with others is because he only ever lived with his parents before. Marcus grows dramatic and defensive, demanding to know, “Exactly what is the crime I have committed?” (98). Caudwell asks if Marcus has been on any dates while at Winesburg, and Marcus says that he has been on one. Caudwell inquires why Marcus does not practice religion, and Marcus cites the essay “Why I am Not a Christian,” written by Nobel Prize winner Bertrand Russell. Caudwell dismisses Russell by attacking Russell’s character, but Marcus points out that ad hominem arguments are logically useless. The interaction between Marcus and Caudwell grows more heated, and Marcus says that he needs to leave because feels...