Goodbye, Columbus by Philip Roth: Chapters 1-3 - Summary

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1
Neil calls Brenda, who he met at a country club visiting his cousins, for a date. They meet and she is uppity. They talk about her nose job and kiss.

2
They go to the club after Brenda invites Neil. They are lovey-dovey. Then they go to dinner at Brenda's. Their house is very upperclass and he feels uncomfortable. Brenda's mother contributes. They talk – Brenda's mother is critical of her for her luxurious lifestyle, even though they can afford it. They are a very athletic family and Neil isn't.

3
Neil arrives early to his job at the library and spends the time sitting in a park contemplating Newark with great familiarity. Once at the library, a black boy goes to the art section to look at Gaugin paintings. He is impressed.


He goes to the Patimkins' and they leave Neil home to look after Julie while they go take Ron to the airport. He is unresponsive to her play suggestions.

Philip Roth

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