This acclaimed story from John Updike concludes with the protagonist attributing his overwhelming happiness to driving a powerful car through the stunning Pennsylvania countryside, blessed irresponsibility, a waiting girl who would marry him, and twice being trusted enough for someone to fall asleep beside him. The second-year university student is on the cusp of manhood. Observing the party he had been going to all his life the previous night taught the shy loner that he, along with his friends, have out-grown childhood and need to move on with their lives. Themes: solitude, nostalgia, transition (from childhood to adulthood), looking ahead.
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