chapters 3-4 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 3 details the author's realization he would have to get a job at General Motors. It seemed that Hamper had known since the 10th grade that he would eventually end up a shoprat like his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Even though the author accepted the decision, the recession made it extremely difficult for Hamper to get a job. Hamper routinely went to GM and ignored the sign on the door that said the company was not accepting job applications. The ploy did not work. Applications became as valuable as Willy Wonka's golden ticket. Every lead fell through. While Hamper waited to be hired, he took on various jobs. It became more and more obvious that Hamper was becoming just like his father with the booze, except that Hamper III came home at night.

Hamper's friend Denny got hired at...