Crossing to Safety

Chapter 4 introduces more of Larry’s colleagues and their families at a party recounted from 1937 during Prohibition. At the time, Sally is worried about being able to fit in among this new social set, fretting briefly about whether the other women will be wearing long dresses. The party has special significance for the new world they are entering: “The mere prospect of a square meal could cheer me in those days, and here was much more—light, glitter, chatter, smiles, dressed-up people, friends, audience” (34). Larry is keen to be recognized as a part of this new society, which is as much a separation from his roots growing up in Albuquerque as his time as a student. Though he and Sally are the guests of honor, Sid and Charity are the hosts; Larry’s infatuation with the couple only intensifies. After dinner, they play the piano, and Sally reads from Homer. The party soon breaks up, leaving Larry with a memorable moment: “All of us felt it […] we fell into a four-ply laughing hug, we were so glad to know one another and so glad that all the trillion chances in the universe had brought us to the same town and the same university at the same time” (46).