Part I
Born into the Gant family, his early life is marked by acute sensitivity and a growing awareness of the world.
III
Mentioned as sometimes joining the neighborhood children in chanting outside the house during Oliver's drunken episodes.
Chapter IV
The central child, experiencing his first memories, learning to speak, and surviving a horse stepping on his face.
Chapter V
A three-year-old who memorizes alphabet books, is weaned, and experiences the overwhelming sensory chaos of the St. Louis Fair.
VI
Emerges from confusion, finds solace in reading Ridpath's History of the World and listening to Gant's recitations, observes family and seasonal foods.
VII
Referenced indirectly through Gant's memories of the journey to St. Louis en route to Grover's death.
VIII
Starts school at age six, writes bawdy poems about teachers, is caught but let off by the principal, and immerses himself in books and fantasies of the wider world.
IX
Admires his father's stonecutting, reads widely, and has early romantic experiences.
The Paradox of Generosity and the Burden of Family
Eugene is deeply perceptive and troubled by the family's dynamics, feeling shame at his brother Luke's performative generosity and his father's emotional manipulation. He is labeled the 'scholar' and retreats into a secret world of thought, feeling exposed when Luke mocks his daydreaming.
Chapter XI
Feels ashamed of Dixieland, trapped by family's poverty and greed; attends Sunday School, enjoys hymns; moves with Eliza to Dixieland.
Chapter XII
Travels with Gant to Augusta, experiences the world with enchantment, and suffers Helen's abusive affection at Dixieland.
XIII
Travels with Eliza, sells magazines, attends school in Hot Springs, dreams of the romantic South.
XIV
Eugene is mentioned in Ben's thoughts as his kid brother, and his perspective frames the opening description of Ben's face.
XV
Reflects on his philosophy of Chance, his loneliness, and his physical growth; recalls past memories and sensations.
XVI
Wins the prize for his paper, is recruited by the Leonards, and visits the schoolhouse.
XVIII
Eugene has passed from Helen's guardianship into Ben's keeping, growing into a secretive, gangly youth with a wild inner life.
Chapter XX
Observes his father's decline with anger and pity, fantasizes about solitude and luxury, and accompanies Gant to movies.
Chapter XXI
Eugene recalls going proudly with his father to vote for prohibition; later he reacts with hysterical laughter during the family fight over Annie.
XXII
Begins work as a paper carrier at age fourteen, struggling with the physical and emotional demands of the job and his growing curiosity about Niggertown.
Chapter XXIII
Boarding with the Leonards during Eliza's absence; deeply engaged in reading Shakespeare and other literature.
XXIV
Eugene is a wild, erratic student who often gets into trouble but is loved by his teachers. He is kept in after school, engages in playful banter, and shows a rebellious spirit.
XXV
Thrilled by the war, devours news, fantasizes about heroic sacrifice, and reads war literature given by Margaret Leonard.
XXVI
At fifteen, takes his first journey alone to Charleston with a group; reflects on Southern history and romance.
XXVII
Wins a Shakespeare medal; participates in the pageant as Prince Hal, wearing an ill-fitting costume; teased by Ben and Helen as 'My Shakespeare'.
XXVIII
Departs for university at nearly sixteen, tall and thin, a child fantasist who has seen pain and evil yet remains idealistic.
XXIX
Eugene experiences isolation and conflict at Pulpit Hill, living alone and meeting Jim Trivett; he reflects on his reading of Euripides and the American landscape.
The Moonlit Vigil
Eugene converses with Ben about education and success, then shares a romantic moment with Laura James, expressing his desire for her to wait for him.
XXXI
Feels the strangeness of war and departure; visits Margaret Leonard but cannot confess his pain; dances with Irene Mallard and confides in her; has a charged encounter with Mrs. Selborne; prepares to leave for university.
XXXII
Returns to university for his second year, struggles with family hostility and the death of his roommate Bob Sterling, and expresses a desire for solitude.
XXXIII
Works as a checker on a pier, collapses from hunger and exhaustion, is revived by a fellow checker, later visits Ben and decides to travel to Virginia.
Chapter XXXIV
Returns to Altamont and then to Pulpit Hill, struggles with war fever and his inability to enlist, becomes managing editor of the college paper.
Chapter XXXV
Returns from university to find Ben dying; struggles with horror, pity, and a desire to escape the family's ugliness.
Chapter XXXVI: The Morning After Ben's Death
Feels joy and exultation at life's renewal after Ben's death; goes with Luke to select a casket and view Ben's body, reflecting on the loss.
Chapter XXXVII
Grieves for Ben, feels trapped by family, and decides to leave home to find himself.
XXXVIII
Returns to university after the war ends, becomes a campus leader, struggles with self-image and paranoia, reflects on Ben's death and his own genius.
XXXIX
Graduates from university, reads his Class Poem, feels a mix of pride and alienation from his family's values.
Chapter XL
Eugene returns to the Square at night, encounters Ben, and reflects on his past and future departure.
