Summary

At Stanford, Linda, Will, Cory, and Henrik form a close friend group. Henrik proposes a trip to a cabin to celebrate Linda's 19th birthday. At the cabin, Cory and Henrik go on a hike. Henrik and Cory talk about Linda, and Henrik says he would do anything for Linda. Back at the cabin, Will and Linda talk and Linda randomly kisses Will. That evening while all the friends play scrabble, Henrik makes an announcement; Henrik asks Linda to marry him. Linda says okay, but as a joke and both Cory and Will are concerned about Henrik and Linda's future.

Analysis

During this interlude, the primary analysis the author wishes to conduct is that regarding Linda and Henrik's engagement. Up to this moment in the novel, Linda has been portrayed in an innocent rather naive manner, suggesting her pursuits, whether good or bad, are a...