Chapters 17-18 Summary

In Chapter Seventeen, Minke is expelled from school, supposedly because he is now too adult to mix with his classmates, since he has a sexual relationship with a girl. However, after writing an article about the relationships between Pures, Indos, and Natives, the school recognizes the truth in his writings and accomplishments, and reinstates him so that he can graduate. Minke discusses with his newspaper editor many things, including the fact that Magda Peters is a liberal who may very well get deported back to the Netherlands because she supports an independent Indies. Minke is warned to keep his distance from her. Shortly after this, Minke discusses with Jean Marais the possibility of marrying Annelies, and they decide that it should happen after he graduates.

In Chapter Eighteen, Minke graduates from H.B.S. and has a big graduation party. Annelies...