Part 2, Chapters 8 and 9 Summary

Chapter 8 - Tom Brown's Last Match: This chapter begins with an extended commentary on the passing of time, and how all change brought about by that passing ends in the same result - being brought to heaven. The narrative then changes focus, indicating that two more years have passed and using considerable detail to narrate the reasons for, and the beginnings of, an important cricket match between the Rugby School team and a team from London. Narration reveals that both Tom (now nineteen) and Arthur are on the team, and that Tom is in fact the team captain. Debate between Tom and one of the teachers over Tom's studies in Greek, and whether they are more or less useful in life than his increasing skills at cricket, are frequently interrupted by plays on the cricket pitch (field). Their conversation...