Summary

Chapter 17 is titled “Market Day.” Anthea, Bartleby, and Cass accompany Myron to their stall in the Center Square on Market Day. They have soap, jam, flowers, and goat cheese for sale as well as a paint made by Myron. Anthea notices new signs, including one that reads “You don't know which of your neighbors are thieves” (116). Most people seem suspicious of everyone. The butcher complains about the price of soap, but pays because it is quality soap. He says “Tick, tock” to Anthea. Most people stop shopping when the Mayor arrives to give his weekly speech. Matron always seems to want to rush to the dais with everyone else, but Myron is not interested. They sell very little after the speech. They have very little money, but buy the little food they can afford and prepare to go home. Bartleby gets into an...