This very brief chapter, the first of Part 3, begins with Gerald reflecting that he does not recommend the life he has lived. He would have advised his parents against having him, but since he is alive, he might as well do something useful.

The chapter closes by reflecting on Yale as a place where one learns to think rather than do. It describes aspects of Gerald’s sophomore year, especially his English class with Professor Ehrgood. Gerald writes, “Ehrgood did with my mind what Coach Walton had once done with my body,” which “carried me a long way from where I started, right up till I realized that I’d left myself behind” (187).

Gerald recounts his experience with Yale football, especially the “coup” he leads against the upperclassmen who normally dominate the team. By the start of his sophomore season, Gerald and six of his classmates are starters for the team. It is a strong season.

During that season, however, Gerald breaks his hand in a game against Princeton. The following game is against Harvard, and it seems Gerald is needed.

This brings him to retelling the story of his father, who broke his back in his sophomore year and sat out eight games.