Good Night, Mr. Tom Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 16, "The Search" Summary

Chapter 16, "The Search" Summary

Mr. Tom, back in the village, is lonely without William, which is the name he has come to call the boy. It is also the name of his son, who died in childbirth so many years ago. Tom often turns to share a thought with the boy, and he is still listening for the sound of his books on the hallway floor. The war continues and spring comes on, but there is no letter from Willie, who had promised to write.

Mr. Tom feels anxious for the boy. He has nightmares in which he feels he is suffocating, and he seems to hear William calling for him. He awakes early one morning to take his turn on the fire watch, part of the war effort, and broods over his ominous feelings. As he goes off duty, he is charged with giving the sad news that the teacher, Mrs. Hartridge, has...
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