Summary

The novel resumes in 1964, at which time the five characters are embarking upon adulthood. The first chapter focuses on Alec. He is in a bar with Hrothgar Hobson, who appears to have been instrumental in getting him a job as a Linotype typist for a newspaper. They are meeting a man named Burnham who is interviewing Alec for a job at his own newspaper. Burnham tries to irritate Alec, apparently testing to see how he might react in a hectic setting. Alec returns the spite to the man and explains that he needs this job to support his wife, Sandra, and his infant son, Gary. Burnham agrees to hire Alec. After Burnham leaves the bar, Hobson speaks to Alec, cautioning him about his future. He tells him, “The Linotype. It hasn’t changed, my whole life. It’s old. It’s ancient. And you...