Chapter 4 Summary and Analysis

Graves spent five of his childhood summers in Germany, accompanied by his mother and other siblings. In Germany, his time was spent with maternal relatives. Some of the relations lived in castles that were quite impressive and historical. One, built in the 9th century, was full of armor and shields and contained an enormous iron chest that had never been opened simply because of tradition. Graves recalls Germany as being beautiful, wonderful, and providing the happiest events in his childhood. The food, flora, and fauna were all enjoyable, and the respect he received because of his relatives' local prestige and lineage was comforting. Graves once again became aware of socio-economic differences between the classes as he contrasted his wealthy and influential relatives with the poor immigrant workers who labored on the local lands, still managed in a Feudal style. Graves and...