Part 1 — Chapter 4

Summary

• The chapter starts with a last dinner party, when the conversation turns to the nostalgia of British India, as Edwin's parents were born of English descent in India.
• Another family, the Barretts, is present at the party with similar India connection. Both families often reminisce about their experiences in India.
• Edwin, in the middle of the conversation, criticizes Britain's colonial rule in India and makes controversial remarks about Britain’s entitlement to other countries because of historic events.
• This leads to a heated conversation about the impact of British colonization and their cultural imposition on other nations. Edwin's father and brother, Gilbert, defend the British rule claiming that it was their victory that won these territories.
• Edwin's controversial remarks create an awkward and heated atmosphere, ultimately ending in his father sending him away from the dinner table.
• Later, Edwin and his brother, Gilbert, engage in another conversation, where Gilbert informs Edwin that their father is planning to send him to Canada sooner than expected as a form of punishment for his comments.
• Edwin is intrigued by the idea of this forced early departure to Canada, regarding it as an exciting opportunity for independence, but is also concerned about the condition of not being able to return to England for an unspecified duration.
• The chapter concludes with Gilbert assuring Edwin that the imposed exile would only be temporary and he would convince their parents to allow Edwin to return.