64 pages 2 hours read

E. R. Braithwaite

To Sir with Love

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1959

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Chapters 18–21Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 18 Summary

For Blanchard’s birthday, Braithwaite has gotten her a book of poems, and Blanchard tells him that she has made reservations for the two of them to watch Paisan, at the Academy, and then eat at the elegant Poisson d’Or. The students ask if she is Braithwaite’s girlfriend. All are enamored with her, except for Pamela.

On her birthday, they play a game on public transport, making up the names of stops along the route. They enjoy the film and head to the restaurant, which is a play on underwater dining. The maître d’ and waiter are casually rude to Braithwaite and Blanchard. The waiter spills Braithwaite’s soup and does not apologize, and Blanchard decides they should leave. They take a taxi to Blanchard’s apartment, and Blanchard is silent and refuses to look at Braithwaite. Braithwaite is confused by her behavior, but then she invites him in, albeit coldly. Blanchard angrily straightens her apartment, and Braithwaite waits apprehensively.

After he gives her the book of poems, Blanchard confronts Braithwaite about why he allowed the waiter to treat him terribly. She then says he should have hit him, and asks why someone always has to stand up for him. Braithwaite maintains that violence never solves anything and that they should forget the incident.

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