This is the story of a young man named Jarvis, who comes from a wealthy family and attends Harvard University. The book follows Jarvis as he navigates his way through college life, dealing with the challenges of academics, social life, and personal relationships. Throughout the novel, Jarvis is faced with various obstacles, including the pressure to succeed academically, the expectations of his family and social circle, and his own personal struggles with identity and self-discovery. He also experiences the ups and downs of romantic relationships, including a tumultuous love affair with a young woman named Ruth. As Jarvis progresses through his college years, he begins to question the values and beliefs of the society he comes from, and starts to explore alternative lifestyles and philosophies. This leads him to become involved in political and social activism, and he eventually becomes a leader in the labor movement.