This short chapter features the reversal of fortune that sets into motion the events that dominate the rest of the novel.
The D.H.C.'s plan to chastise Bernard publicly before banishing him for his unorthodox behavior is, the Director maintains, a necessity for social stability, but the D.H.C.'s pious protectiveness of the social order masks his real reason for punishing Bernard — concern about Bernard's revealing his unconventional feelings for Linda. In making an example of Bernard for his behavior, then, the D.H.C. is being hypocritical.
Bernard's dramatic introduction of the middle-aged Linda and her son — the horrifying proof of the D.H.C.'s social sins — represents a brilliant counter-attack, a public humiliation that undercuts the D.H.C.'s moral authority to punish Bernard. The vision of the pompous and hypocritical D.H.C. suddenly shocked into silent terror and revulsion makes the victory a satisfying one for the reader, despite Bernard's characteristic falseness and vindictiveness. In later chapters, Bernard will reap the reward of this masterful surprise, not only avoiding punishment but improving his social status.
