Part 2, Chapter 23 Summary

Eugene doesn't tell the Leonards that he is getting up early and delivering papers. By the beginning of his fifteenth year, he knows almost every English poet and has committed many of the poems to memory. Mrs. Leonard inspires him and encourages his scholarship. Eliza goes to Florida, and Eugene rooms and boards at the Leonards. The Leonards make good reports of him, and Gant hears about his accomplishments from his friends.

Part 2, Chapter 23 Analysis

Again, we can see what an important role the Leonards and their school are playing in the development of this extraordinary child. They see to it that the community knows about his accomplishments, which will, of course, get back to his parents. Whether or not the community does this deliberately, we do not know. For someone whose attitudes are so ingrained and confirmed as are Eliza's...