John Chatterton Summary and Analysis

Chapter 4 is a brief biography of John Chatterton, one of the two central figures in the book. Chatterton grows up in Garden City, Long Island. His family is comfortable, his father an aerospace engineer. His parents argue frequently and John finds peace at the seaside. He develops a love of the sea early on.

Chatterton enlists in the army during the Vietnam War and trains to be a medic. He is sent to Vietnam and almost immediately finds himself in great danger as he is expected to rush to wounded soldiers and help them return to safety. Chatterton shows great courage as a medic and gains the respect of his fellow soldiers.

After returning home and leaving the army, Chatterton has a difficult time adjusting. He meets a woman named Kathy who encourages him to return to school before...