Chapter 16 Summary and Analysis

On their return to Oxford, Florence yearns to be with Bres forever, but realizing her year at the University of Mississippi is quickly ending, she discusses it with Bres who suggests she apply for a foundation grant. During exam week, Bres switches carrels at the library so they can be near one another, and watching Bres write in Latin, Florence dreams of the two of them always together, living the life of the mind. Florence wonders what she wants to do for a living, and when she discusses it with Bres, Bres insists she apply for a grant as she can drag out a doctorate for three years. Florence agrees because she knows she must arrange another year at the University of Mississippi since Bres has before they can arrange their distant future. Bres supplies Florence with applications for grants, but...