Chapter 20, Epilogue Summary and Analysis

In chapter twenty, the author describes how, back at home, very little had changed, a situation made complicated by the fact that he had changed, specifically referring to his view of his acceptance at Haverford as a profound opportunity. Meanwhile, Alison unexpectedly returns home, showing signs of some kind of mental disorder. Soon, however, she recovers, but has become clingy and needy, all too eager to accept a proposal of marriage from Jack. The author then describes the circumstances of his starting college. Jean had started a used car lot in Florida, Alison was to marry Jack, and his mother and Jessica would continue at the apartment in New York. The trustee, meanwhile, was paying his tuition and an allowance. "I was rich and I was free." Finally, he describes his friendly, welcoming arrival in Haverford.

In the epilogue...