Chapters 36-40 Summary and Analysis

Frank celebrates his new job with some beer at the local tavern much to Mike's consternation. Arriving at work the following day hung over, Frank does his best to reign in the students that have run the classroom until today. In the cafeteria Frank meets Jake Homer, another teacher who gives him advice on handling the kids. In the teacher's lounge Frank meets some more colleagues who either love to teach or have given up and go through the motions. Head spinning, Frank makes it through his first day, with no idea what he is doing, or how to accomplish anything.

In Chapter 37, Frank struggles through his job, learning the delaying tactics of the students. On the ferry ride home at night Frank wonders if this is how he will spend his life, and if working his way through...