This Side of Paradise · Chapter
Narcissus Off Duty explained
During Amory's last two years at Princeton, a spirit of reform emerges led by Burne Holiday, who questions the social club system and inspires a movement to resign from the clubs.
What happens
During Amory's last two years at Princeton, a spirit of reform emerges led by Burne Holiday, who questions the social club system and inspires a movement to resign from the clubs. Amory becomes friends with Burne, finding his earnestness and intellectual depth compelling. He also visits his cousin Clara Page in Philadelphia, a widow with two children, whose radiant personality and resilience deeply impress him.
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
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This scene is the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional peak of Rosalind’s spoiled, self-absorbed…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Education and Intellectual Growth
Amory's intellectual awakening through discussions with Burne Holiday, who introduces him to new books and ideas.
- Social Class and Wealth
The club reform movement challenges the social and economic divisions perpetuated by Princeton's exclusive clubs.
- Disillusionment and Loss of Innocence
Amory feels his previous cynicism and intellectual pursuits are stale compared to Burne's earnest development.
Characters to notice
- Amory Blaine
Observes the reform movement at Princeton, befriends Burne Holiday, and visits his cousin Clara Page.
- Burne Holiday
Leads a movement to resign from Princeton's social clubs; engages Amory and Tom in deep intellectual discussions.
- Tom D'Invilliers
Discusses the club reform movement with Amory and Burne; takes a neutral stance.
- Alec Connage
Agrees to accept Amory's eccentric friends at dinner in exchange for rest periods when alone.
- Clara Page
Amory's widowed cousin living in Philadelphia; her golden radiance and resilience impress Amory.
- Monsignor Darcy
Encourages Amory to visit Clara Page; hosts Amory and Burne for weekends.
Key passages
“In the “quest” book the hero set off in life armed with the best weapons and avowedly intending to use them as such weapons are usually used, to push their possessors ahead as selfishly and blindly as possible, but the heroes of the “quest” books discovered that there might be a more magnificent use for them.”
In 'quest' novels, the protagonist starts with advantages meant for selfish advancement, but learns there is a nobler purpose for them.
Amory identifies a genre of biographical novels that inspire Burne Holiday's reformist ideals.
“She could make fascinating and almost brilliant conversation out of the thinnest air that ever floated through a drawing-room.”
Clara could create engaging and clever conversation from the most trivial topics.
Describes Clara Page's remarkable social grace and charm.
