Part 3, Chapter 28 Summary

Although not quite sixteen, Eugene is already six feet and three inches tall, but he weighs only 130 pounds. He has a "wild energy of mind and body" that devours and exhausts him. The Leonards have come to love him as their own and part with him sadly and reluctantly.

Eugene is not prepared for university life and becomes the butt of jokes. He is very lonely and finds the classes superficial and unchallenging. The most rewarding class is Greek, and he learns to read and enjoy Homer.

Part 3, Chapter 28 Analysis

Eugene survives his first year by some miracle. He is younger than everyone else, and he has no preparation for the social aspects of college life. He is meagerly supported financially. What redeems him is his appetite for learning.