Part IV: Chain of Words Summary and Analysis

In "Benzene Rinsings From the Moon," Peter notes that language is vital to him, and that he believes poetry is a part of language that links together family history. He can recall English class in 1967, where he and a "nerd" square off about the deeper meaning of a poem by Hart Crane, and Peter begins to realize his love for poetry. Although his new love puts a strain on relationships, as his girlfriend calls him an elitist (a word used earlier as a reference to his father), it also brings him closer to his aunts on his father's side. He begins reading their books of poetry, and his aunt Nona's book reviews in the New York Times. He finds himself quoting French poetry in English class as a result of his aunt's books...