Looking Backward

West wakes up disoriented, at first remembering only 1887 and becoming angry again at the workers who were on strike. Then he realizes he is not in his old bedroom and feels unsure about his own identity. He remembers the events of the previous day, and everything so overwhelms him that he gets dressed and goes for a walk in the new, future Boston. For two hours he walks while reflecting on how different it looks. He returns to the Leetes’ house feeling so helpless and confused that he feels nauseous.

Edith Leete finds West and takes his hands to comfort him. Her presence soothes him, and she apologizes for the Leetes leaving him alone; they expected him to sleep in. West tells her of his experience walking through the city in the early morning. She is confident that West will soon be content in his new time period, because it is so much better than the world he grew up in.

West discusses his experience walking through town with Dr. and Mrs. Leete. He asks them what happened to all the banks and retail shops. They explain that there is no such thing as money anymore, and “the distribution of goods” is very different now (50).