Part 5, Chapter 1 Summary

Every winter, between Christmas and New Year's, the Modern Language Association of America (MLA) draws together 10,000 members and guests from around the world. This year it gathers in New York City. Young scholars come to land teaching jobs. Seasoned scholars come looking for advancement. Chairmen of English departments come recruiting talent. To these people, the Big Daddy of conferences is work. To everyone else it is fun. The official program lists 600 separate sessions running from 8:30 a.m. to 10:15 p.m., usually at least 30 simultaneously, catering to every taste. Audiences migrate when they hear laughter or applause. Specialty organizations host cocktail parties. One can stand in the lobby of the Hilton and be certain, sooner or later, to see everyone one knows in the academic world.

Persse stands there on the third day of the conference and is found by Morris Zapp...