Chapters II and III Summary

Chapter II begins with the outbreak of World War I in Europe, though America is not yet involved. This news comes only a few weeks after Stoner's graduation and it becomes a hot topic of discussion around the university, though its reality does not really penetrate Stoner, and he becomes even more fixated on his studies and more immersed in his passion for knowledge. After completing his Master's degree, Stoner starts teaching a few classes, but finds himself unable to convey the material with what he feels is its proper significance and it is in the role of the student that he continues to find himself the happiest.

Stoner begins to become friendly with two other doctoral students in the English department, Gordon Finch and David Masters and the three have a weekly Friday get-together at a...