Chapters 17, 18 and 19 Summary and Analysis

In chapter seventeen, the author describes the beginning of his ocean voyage to Europe, with his mother and Jessica waving to him from the pier. As they disappear into the crowd, he makes his way to his cabin and then, once settled, explores the ship. He meets a young piano player working with a band in first class who suggests that he cross the class barrier and come to listen to him play. At dinner that first night, the author finds himself at a table with four young women traveling to Germany to be with their husbands, and charms them with his wit and later, in the bar, with his own piano playing. He is disappointed, however, when they go to bed early. After spending the next day lounging on deck, the author dresses up and goes to first...