If you were to trace the growth of Henry's character and
its development through the novel, this episode that occurs at the end of Chapter Twenty
One would definitely be something that you would need to discuss. On the one hand, it
shows that Henry is still narcissistic and naive, but on the other hand, it does show
real growth in terms of his own modesty and pride. Note the way in which Henry and
Wilson respond to the praise that is conferred upon them by their
superiors:
But
despite these youthful scoffings and embarrassments, they knew that their faces were
deeply flushing from thrills of pleasure. They exchanged a secret glance of joy and
congratulation.
Although he
still places great importance in the opinion of others, we can see that such a modest
response to such high praise would have been impossible for the Henry of the beginning
of the novel. That Henry would never have been able to contain his elation at receiving
such praise with a "secret glance of joy and congratulation." Slowly, but surely, we see
both Henry and Wilson are growing and developing as men and becoming less vain and full
of pride.
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