Breakfast includes unappetizing oatmeal with excessive cinnamon and fruit.
Finding a seat is challenging due to territorial behavior of other boys.
Social Dynamics
Elwood and Turner:
Elwood meets Turner who seems calm and self-assured.
They discuss their backgrounds, with Turner from Houston and Elwood from Tallahassee.
The Bullies:
Griff, Lonnie, and Black Mike are intimidating figures at the school.
Newcomers like Elwood face challenges from them.
Education at Nickel
Schooling:
Lacks rigor; old textbooks and uninspired teaching.
Mr. Goodall, the teacher, is inattentive and indifferent.
Elwood excels at math and seeks advanced classes but is met with indifference from Mr. Goodall.
Work Assignments
Yard Crew:
Elwood is assigned to work with the yard crew.
The crew's task is to maintain the grounds, providing a view of the campus facilities including the contrasting amenities for black and white students.
Campus Layout
Facilities:
Separate dorms, schools, and facilities for black and white students.
Boot Hill graveyard and the ominous storage shed mentioned.
Elwood's Resolve
Personal Reflection:
Elwood is determined to make the best of his situation and earn an early release through good behavior.
Inspired by Dr. King's message, Elwood plans to work diligently.
Conflict and Violence
Encounter with Bullies:
Elwood intervenes in a bullying incident involving Corey and is assaulted by Black Mike.
Houseman Phil, indifferent to the situation, prepares to report the incident to Mr. Spencer, leaving Elwood apprehensive about the consequences.