Summary

In Chapter 1, “The Late Americans,” Seamus attended his poetry seminar. They discussed Beth’s poem “Andromeda and Perseus” (1). Although the majority of the students praised the piece, Seamus was unimpressed. He hated how his peers used their personal experiences and traumas in their poetry. He did not contribute, but started laughing, considering the silliness of comparing period sex to Medusa’s decapitation (5). When the professor called on him, he shared his thoughts. Everyone was disgusted. The discussion turned to an argument. The professor dismissed the class early.

Seamus walked home with Oliver. They shared their frustrations with the class. Seamus was annoyed the seminar got out early, as he already could not work on seminar days. Oliver teased him for whining about the plight “of the working-class white male” (10). Seamus insisted his life was difficult. He had to work to pay for his education...