Chapter 19 Summary

Leaving Anita at the Mainland camp with the other women and children, Paul crosses the river to the Meadows. Fireworks greet the guests. Everyone seems in high spirits, and the company has hung banners and signs to encourage competition among the teams. Paul just rolls in with the crowd, not getting into the spirit or making any effort.

Kroner personally welcomes Paul to the Meadows. The events are closely structured, and the loudspeaker herds the men from one activity to another, constantly reminding them to meet new people and network, but barely giving them time to say two words to each other.

Paul finds that his roommate is Fred Garth, his competitor for the job at Pittsburgh. Garth wants to be liked by everyone, and so he is not controversial. He continues to be promoted as a compromise candidate when the other candidates...