Chapters Eight and Nine Summary

In August, Benton begins attending the University of Atlanta. He meets his new dorm mate, Cabot Searcy, and for the first time voices his intentions to use his English degree to be a novelist. Cabot wants to change the world, and is studying philosophy to that end. Both young men have a different approach to University. Benton studies relentlessly while Cabot enjoys the companionship of different women and events. One day Cabot asks him if he is gay. Benton vehemently denies it, but Cabot insists that if he isn't, he should make a point of coming out with him now and then. Benton counters by suggesting perhaps Cabot should study more often. By the next morning in English class, Cabot has decided to change his approach. In English, he sits up straight and pays close attention to...