Chapter Seventeen Summary

The city officials gather at the deputy city manager's house, so that they can all meet with Pierre and Cincinnatus together. The gathering is lively, despite a coffin on display. The jocular party goes to the dining room for supper, and the guests look toward Pierre and Cincinnatus. Pierre begins to entertain the party through his talk while Cincinnatus fidgets with his knife. Pierre is kindly and solicitous toward Cincinnatus, who does not eat. Pierre tells the same unfunny joke he previously told Cincinnatus, to uproarious laughter. Pierre anoints himself and Cincinnatus with a drop of wine. Everyone at the table congratulates Pierre.

The party moves outside. Pierre stays constantly at Cincinnatus's side, lecturing on himself. Suddenly Cincinnatus realizes that the backyard borders on Tamara Gardens. The park superintendent asks Pierre's permission to speak to Cincinnatus and tells him that there's...