Chapter 3 Summary and Analysis

After graduating from high school, Robert's buddies convince him to join them in signing up for the military—the GI benefits are alluring. Robert winds up with the paratroopers. In short order, he is transferred to the regular Army due to an injury and winds up in Europe. He cut short his time in Europe by exchanging one year of active duty for three years in the army reserve. By age nineteen, he returns to Los Angeles. Upon his return, he immediately enrolls in the Otis Art Institute—claiming he knew he would be an artist even before high school.

As an art student, Robert is both blessed and cursed. His natural talent precludes him from garnering much attention from his professors. While he is able to soar on his own talent, he is never faced with challenge. His...