Chapter 24 Summary

Chapter 24 presents a biography of William Alexander Percy. Will, the son of LeRoy Percy, is very different from his father. Will prefers books and poetry to business and hunting. The two men never see things the same way. As a teenager, Will avoids behaviors he considers sinful and resents much of his father's behavior.

Will's younger brother, LeRoy, Jr., is the son that LeRoy Percy has always wanted. He is boyish, rough and full of life. When LeRoy, Jr., is 11 years old, he is accidentally shot and killed by a friend with a rifle that LeRoy gave LeRoy, Jr. Will, apparently, blames his father for the death.

Will graduates from Sewanee at age 19, subsequently spending a year in Europe where he is ignored by his parents. He then graduates from Harvard Law school, returns to Greenville and practices law at his father's firm...