Appointment in Samarra Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 4, Part 2 Summary

Chapter 4, Part 2 Summary

The party that Julian and Caroline are attending tonight has been planned like any other in Gibbsville. Escorts for the single women have been planned according to social status and attractiveness. Once married, even the ugly duckling girls are among the most popular. This is true no matter what kind of man she has married. As long as her husband is not Jewish, a girl improves her social status by getting married. Until then, every attractive man is expected to entertain one ugly duckling and one attractive girl.

While Julian is trying not to drink too much, he creates a mental game to keep himself occupied. Tonight, he entertains himself by comparing Caroline to her younger cousin, to whom he is assigned. His game backfires on him however, when he becomes aroused and the girl clearly realizes it. Julian is ashamed and excuses himself to go to the locker room.