Chapters 23-28 Summary and Analysis

In chapter twenty-three, Shura calls Alice the following Wednesday night and invites her to the farm for a gathering of some friends that Saturday. On the way, Alice realizes that she is terrified of what Shura's friends will think of her. Once there, Alice meets George and Ruth Close, Ben and Leah Cantrell, and John Sellars. Shura explains to the group that they will be sampling a new drug, Aleph-2. Even though Shura did not inform Alice that they would be taking psychedelic drugs, Shura invites Alice to take part, and Alice accepts. During the drug experience, Alice and Ben talk privately about Shura's relationship with Ursula. Ben is convinced that Ursula is manipulating Shura by taking on a role that he needs in his life but which Ursula is ultimately incapable of fulfilling permanently. Ben is glad that...