Look Homeward, Angel · Chapter
Chapter V explained
Following the death of Grover Gant, the family returns to Altamont.
What happens
Following the death of Grover Gant, the family returns to Altamont. Eliza decides to take the children to the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair to run a boardinghouse, leaving Gant behind. Eugene experiences the overwhelming sensory chaos of the Fair, including a terrifying ride on the scenic railway.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Closing
Gant, having emerged from his "charnel-house of death," witnesses Eugene's triumph and feels his heart "lifted…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Loss, Innocence, and the Passage of Time
Grover's death and Eugene's traumatic experiences at the Fair mark the loss of childhood innocence and the inexorable passage of time.
- The American Dream and Materialism
Eliza's pursuit of profit through a boardinghouse at the Fair reflects the materialistic drive of the American Dream.
- Family Conflict and Dysfunction
Gant and Eliza's conflicting views on boardinghouse life and the family's emotional turmoil after Grover's death highlight familial dysfunction.
Characters to notice
- Eliza Gant
Grieves for Grover, decides to take the family to the St. Louis World's Fair to run a boardinghouse, and weans Eugene.
- Oliver Gant
Mourns Grover, reluctantly agrees to Eliza's Fair venture, and stays behind in Altamont.
- Eugene Gant
A three-year-old who memorizes alphabet books, is weaned, and experiences the overwhelming sensory chaos of the St. Louis Fair.
- Grover Gant
The gentlest and saddest of the boys, who has died; remembered fondly by Eugene for his birthmark and kindliness.
- Ben Gant
Present at the family's return from Grover's death and later works at the Fair Grounds.
- Helen Gant
Almost fourteen, her departure for St. Louis costs Gant more than a pang or two.
Key passages
“The best boy I had. By God, he was the best of the lot.”
Gant declares Grover was his finest son.
Gant's grief and admiration for Grover after his death.
“If I had known how it would turn out—”
Eliza regrets not foreseeing the tragic outcome.
Eliza's remorse and reflection on the family's fate.
“I'll simply get me a good big house and drum up a trade among the Altamont people who are going.”
Eliza plans to run a boardinghouse for Altamont visitors at the Fair.
Eliza's entrepreneurial scheme for the St. Louis trip.
