and at the end of the story he returns to the scenes of his childhood.
Though she resists the idea, Brenda finally accedes to Neil's request to get a
diaphragm. She seems to do this both because she wants to be independent, but
also because she is affected by Ron's upcoming marriage and begins to want the
same thing for herself. For example, she acquires a new dress which makes her
look as attractive as the bride, or even more so. Deep down, it seems, Brenda does
not mind seeing herself in the role of Ron's Harriet, a lovely bride with a successful
husband, being led to the altar on her father's arm and being protected and adored
by her mother. But for the time being she carries on with Neil Klugman and goes
to New York with him to obtain the diaphragm. For Neil, however, this turn of
events is very serious and fraught with consequences.
. He is both enthusiastic about
what he sees as Brenda's affirmation of their rebellious bond and anxious about
the responsibilities that lie ahead of him now that their union is about to assume
a more permanent aspect. His uncertainty about Brenda and himself emerges in
his reflections in St. Patrick's cathedral, where he seeks refuge while she is in the
doctor's office: "Now the doctor is about to wed Brenda to me, and I am not entirely
certain this is all for the best. What is it I love, Lord? Why have I chosen? Who is
the influence of the Patimkin environment, may destroy his goal of love and freedom.
the refrain of Ron's, Brenda's brother's,
college record, thus suggesting that the two will not possess their dream, their
America. The historical parallel is fitting, inasmuch as the real Columbus also
became disillusioned in his quest for a better world. Thus Neil is spurred on by his
fear that the affair will be over once Brenda returns to Radcliffe, and he begins to
contemplate a marriage proposal as a way of securing her for himself.