Chapters 13-15 Summary

Chapter 13 sees Augie's life spinning until Mimi suggests he work as a union organizer for the CIO during a time of wildcat strikes and competition with the AFL. Mr. Grammick teaches Augie by example to work 16-hour days, 10-12 days straight, and soon has him traveling around the city, often at night, when it is safer for the workers. Augie's manner is "slipshod and preppy," and many expect him to be tougher.

Augie visits William, who asks him to get his son a job. Married and divorced, Arthur and son have moved back home. Augie is briefly involved sexually with union activist Sophie Geratis, until Thea Fenchel shows up, needing to see him. Hoping for another chance at Esther, Augie lets Sophie slip away. Before he can phone Thea, Grammick summons him to South Chicago for a rally and Augie is...