42 pages1 hour read

John Steinbeck

The Winter Of Our Discontent

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1961

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Part 2, Chapters 17-22Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 2, Chapter 17 Summary

On his walk home, Ethan wishes his aunt was there to give him advice. He fears the future and wishes he could turn away from his problems. At home, Mary tells him that Margie has offered to take care of the kids so that Ethan and Mary can go on vacation together. Margie will take the kids on a trip to Manhattan while Ethan and Mary go to Montauk.

Part 2, Chapter 18 Summary

It rains on Ethan and Mary’s drive to Montauk. Mary notices that Ethan seems bothered. Ethan tells her about Marullo’s deportation, and that the store is now in Ethan’s name. Mary is overjoyed at their new status as business owners. They receive a phone call from Margie with the news that Allen won the essay contest. They decide to leave Montauk early to prepare a party for Allen.

Part 2, Chapter 19 Summary

Ethan invokes the image of his ancestors, searching for a vessel for his hate. He dreams of picking up Danny from the post office, flanked by two police officers. In the dream, Danny places something sharp in Ethan’s hands. Ethan goes back to work, and Mr. Baker stops in, fretful about who the town can put up for elections. Ethan tells him about his new ownership of the store, and Mr.