Summary

Chapter 5 describes William’s time in college, when he attends local Peverson State College, starting in 1964. William is still reclusive, as he was in high school, and is deeply unimpressed by the party atmosphere around him. William continues to pursue his passion in geology. In January of 1966, William begins to have suicidal thoughts, and places a call to Chuck in Helena. Although Chuck does not answer the call, William proceeds to have an imaginary conversation with him, and hangs up feeling encouraged by the advice which he imagines Chuck gave. In October of 1966, William begins to stand in front of the school’s cafeteria at lunch every Monday, holding a sign that says “The Bombs Are Real,” in protest of the ongoing Vietnam War. After many months, he is approached by another student named Ollie Winkler. Ollie, who has an offbeat sense of...