In a world where ambition clashes with love and social climbing demands impossible choices, one man's ruthless pursuit of wealth ignites a chain of devastating consequences. Joe Lampton, a determined newcomer to the industrial town of Warley, is consumed by a relentless hunger for success, a desire fueled by envy and a yearning for a life beyond his working-class roots. His calculated ascent begins with a strategic pursuit of Susan Brown, the beautiful and privileged daughter of a local industrialist, a relationship that promises to unlock the doors to unimaginable riches and social status. However, Joe's carefully constructed plans are thrown into turmoil by an unexpected and passionate affair with Alice Aisgill, an older, married woman who offers him genuine connection and a taste of true love. Torn between the allure of wealth and the raw, undeniable pull of his heart, Joe finds himself at a crossroads, forced to make a decision that will forever alter the course of his life and the lives of those around him. As he navigates the treacherous landscape of social expectations, forbidden desires, and moral compromises, Joe discovers the devastating price of ambition and the hollowness of a life built on lies. This gripping tale of social mobility, illicit romance, and tragic loss explores the corrosive power of greed, the complexities of human relationships, and the enduring search for meaning in a world obsessed with material success. Will Joe achieve his dream of climbing to the top, or will the sacrifices he makes along the way ultimately lead to his undoing? A poignant exploration of love, class, and the dark side of ambition, this timeless story will leave you questioning the true meaning of success and the choices we make in pursuit of our desires. Discover a world of passion, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of a "room at the top," a journey that exposes the raw underbelly of societal aspirations and the enduring power of the human heart.
CHAPTER SURVEY
Chapter 1 (p. 7-19):
- arrival of Joe Lampton in Warley, Birmingham
- Mrs Thompson meets him at the station
- on the way home they get to know each other (Joe likes her)
- Joe is impressed by his first own room
- Coffee and conversation with Mrs T.
Chapter 2 (p. 19-22):
- first appearance of Mr Thompson
- Joe and the Thompson recognize the similarity of Joe to Maurice T. (look, job- pilot in R.A.F → killed in an accident in Canada)
Chapter 3 (p. 23-30):
- investigation of Warley
- first time in the Town Hall (where he is going to work)
- Joe enjoys the atmosphere in Warley
- he comes to the decision to become rich (caused by a young wealthy couple which he watches, he is jealous of their wealth)
Chapter 4 (p. 30-42):
- tea with Bob and Eva Storr (theatre gossip)
- on the way to the Thespians Eva is sitting on Joe´s lap, he enjoys it
- Joe sees Susan brown for the first time and immediately falls in love with her
- meets her in the dressing room (little flirt)
- first appearance of Jack Wales, her “boyfriend”
Chapter 5 (p. 42-47):
- work in the Town Hall, Joe likes it
- chief = Hoylake
- Joe talks with Eva about Alice Aisgill his partner in the next theatre play
- Joe is satisfied, because Alice is described as an attractive woman
- Eva does not want to sleep with Joe, although they had kissed each other before
Chapter 6 (p. 47-55):
- first reading of “Meadowes Farm”, went badly
- beer with Alice, get to know each other
- are getting friends
- Alice suggests to ask Susan for a date
Chapter 7 (p. 56-70):
- Joe busies himself with Jack Wales
- invites Susan to the ballet
- flirt with June Oakes in the Town Hall
- Teddy tells Joe that Mr Aisgill has an affair
- second rehearsal in the theatre, went better
- first appearance of George Aisgill
- Joe sees Jack´s home (realizes Jack´s colossal advantages)
- sit-in at the house of the Aisgills
Chapter 8 (p. 70-77):
- date with Susan, she is late
- Joe pretends to be someone else (ballet fan,etc.) to impress her
- he takes her in an exclusive café, normally he does not go into such cafés, because he feels uneasy there
- he notices that “she is his beautiful princess (1st grade)”
- they talk about Joe´s dead parents
Chapter 9 (p. 77-84):
- third rehearsal, Alice and Joe are a team
- they have sex outdoors
- they decide to be “loving friends”
Chapter 10 (p. 84-97):
- Joe spents Christmas at his aunt in Dufton
- tells Charlie about Susan, Ch. Advises him to let her “wait”, to see whether she is interested or not
- Joe visits his parents´ house (destroyed during World War 2, parents killed), painful memories
Chapter 11 (p. 97-106):
- Joe and Alice are together in Elspeth house ( talk about what would be, if Alice was younger)
- Elspeth comes home
- Joe is kind of disgusted by Elspeth, assigns it to Alice
- wants to leave
Chapter 12 (p. 106-115):
- Joe talks with Reggie about Susan (who he did not call), R. says that Susan is talking about Joe steadily
- Teddy, Reggie and Joe talk about the war
- they touch the topic “Alice”, R. and T. seem to know what is going on between Joe and Alice
Chapter 13 (p. 115-120):
- Alice and Joe have a quarrel because she once let her body painted naked
- he thinks that this is not decent
Chapter 14 (p. 120-124):
- he goes through the streets, thinking about the quarrel and why he is so bruised
- realizes that it is his jealousy
- “… they are no better than prostitutes…” Charles once said
- he realizes that he has changed
Chapter 15 (p. 124-131):
- Joe gets an invitation to the birthday party of Sally Carstairs
- wonders if he has chances with Sally
- meets Susan at the party
- kiss each other in the garden and agrre to meet the next day
- they are both enamoured
Chapter 16 (p. 132-140):
- Joe and Susan go to Benton by bus
- they cuddle, but do not have sex
- suddenly he feels alone but then pushes away that feeling
- he has ulterior motives in being together with Susan (she is Grade A, she has a rich father and Joe awaits a good job, etc.)
- he keeps on pretending to be someone else
Chapter 17 (p. 140-146):
- Hoylake indirectly advises Joe not to go out with Susan anymore
- Mr Brown has a great deal of influence (“…if anyone got in his way he´d be utterly ruthless…”)
- Hoylake suggests to concentrate on the girls going to the Civic Ball
Chapter 18 (p. 146-152):
- Joe is of the opinion that he cannot make it in the “rich world”, because of his backround/ Susan is to good for him
- he feels cheap compared to Jack Wales
- remembers Alice
Chapter 19 (p. 152-159):
- Joe and Susan go to the Folly (on the way, he sees a young working-class couple à makes him feel complacent)
- Susan tells Joe, that she is going to the Civic Ball with Jack (her parents do not like that she is going out with Joe)
- they talk about marriage and having children
- what he says to Susan actually is meant for someone else
Chapter 20 (p.159-164):
- Civic Ball
- Mr Brown and Jack invite Joe to a drink, they chat
- he feels queasy
Chapter 21 (p. 164-169):
- Joe phones Alice “…I must see you… I´m sorry about it all…”
- actually he misses sex, he is frustrated of the teenage games he had been playing with Susan
- he tells Alice that he loves her, she feels the same
Chapter 22 (p. 169-174):
- Joe goes out with Susan and Alice at the same time, he is happy with Alice, but does not enjoy making love to Susan, she is just a toy
- he recaptures his youth with Susan
- Alice is unhappy because she thinks that she is too old for Joe
- on his way back he meets Eva Storr, she realizes that he has been with a woman (not Susan)
Chapter 23 (p. 174-177):
- Joe gets a letter from Susan, he chucks with him, because she found out
- he also gets a letter from Charles, he offers him to come to Cumley earlier
- Teddy applies for a better job, Joe tells him, that he does not care
Chapter 24 (p. 178-184):
- Joe and Alice take Charles´ offer and go on holiday together, they behave like a married couple
- he secretly wishes that she was younger
- Alice is jealous of a young girl
- he discovers what real love is like
- he experiences sex newly
Chapter 25 (p. 184-190):
- Alice has to leave, they really love each other (Joe:”…I´ll love you till the day I die…”)
- he meets Charles and Roy, they both have girlfriends, too
- he is not attracted by the young gitl he met before, because he loves Alice that much
Chapter 26 (p. 190-195):
- Charles and Joe talk about Alice, Ch. Does not want Joe to be with her (because of her age and the fact that she is married)
- Joe hast to promise Charles that he will write a letter to Susan and try to get her back
Chapter 27 (p. 195-199):
- Charles had helped to write the letter, Susan comes back to Joe
- Realizes that he cannot have Alice and Warley at the same time, but he does not want to leave Warley in no case
- Susan wants Joe to quit with Alice, but she is in hospital à Joe wants to finish the affair face to face
- Susan is angry because of this
Chapter 28 (p. 199-212):
- Joe gives Ray (who stole some money in the Town Hall) another chance
- Meeting with Mr Brown (meets Jack Wales there, too)
- Mr Brown tests if oe really loves Susan, he wants Joe to marry her because she is pregnant, he also offers Joe a job à only condition: Joe has to leave Alice immediately (he tells Joe, that Alice had an affair with Jack Wales)
Chapter 29 (p. 212-215):
- Joe finishes with Alice, Susan is not the true reason but Jack Wales
Chapter 30 (p. 215-235):
- Teddy tells Joe that Alice is dead (accident with her car)
- he takes a bus out of Warley
- he prowls and gets drunk
- at any time Eva and Bob find him totally drunken and take him home
- he thinks that he is guilty of Alice´s death
Frequently asked questions about "Room at the Top"
What is Chapter 1 about?
Chapter 1 (p. 7-19) introduces Joe Lampton's arrival in Warley, Birmingham. Mrs. Thompson meets him at the station, and they get acquainted during the journey home. Joe is impressed by his new room and enjoys coffee and conversation with Mrs. Thompson.
What happens in Chapter 2?
Chapter 2 (p. 19-22) marks the first appearance of Mr. Thompson. Joe and the Thompsons note the similarity between Joe and Maurice Thompson (look, job - pilot in R.A.F → killed in an accident in Canada).
What does Chapter 3 cover?
Chapter 3 (p. 23-30) details Joe's exploration of Warley. It's his first visit to the Town Hall (where he'll be working). Joe enjoys the atmosphere in Warley and decides he wants to become rich, spurred by seeing a wealthy young couple.
What are the key events of Chapter 4?
Chapter 4 (p. 30-42) involves tea with Bob and Eva Storr (theatre gossip). On the way to the Thespians, Eva sits on Joe's lap. Joe sees Susan Brown for the first time and immediately falls in love. He meets her in the dressing room (a little flirt) and meets Jack Wales, her "boyfriend."
What's the focus of Chapter 5?
Chapter 5 (p. 42-47) focuses on Joe's work at the Town Hall, which he enjoys. His chief is Hoylake. Joe discusses Alice Aisgill, his partner in the next theatre play, with Eva. Joe is pleased that Alice is described as attractive. Eva doesn't want to sleep with Joe, although they had kissed before.
What happens during the first reading in Chapter 6?
Chapter 6 (p. 47-55) describes the first reading of "Meadowes Farm," which goes badly. Joe and Alice get beer together and get to know each other, becoming friends. Alice suggests Joe ask Susan out on a date.
What transpires in Chapter 7?
Chapter 7 (p. 56-70) sees Joe busying himself with Jack Wales. He invites Susan to the ballet and flirts with June Oakes at the Town Hall. Teddy tells Joe that Mr. Aisgill is having an affair. The second rehearsal in the theatre goes better. George Aisgill appears for the first time. Joe sees Jack's home and realizes Jack's advantages. There's a sit-in at the Aisgills' house.
What occurs on Joe's date with Susan in Chapter 8?
Chapter 8 (p. 70-77) covers Joe's date with Susan, who is late. Joe pretends to be someone else (a ballet fan, etc.) to impress her. He takes her to an exclusive café, where he feels uneasy. He thinks of her as "his beautiful princess (1st grade)." They talk about Joe's dead parents.
What is the main event in Chapter 9?
Chapter 9 (p. 77-84) sees the third rehearsal, where Alice and Joe are a team. They have sex outdoors and decide to be "loving friends."
What happens when Joe spends Christmas with his aunt in Chapter 10?
Chapter 10 (p. 84-97) describes Joe spending Christmas at his aunt's in Dufton. He tells Charlie about Susan, and Charlie advises him to let her "wait." Joe visits his parents' house (destroyed during World War 2, parents killed), bringing back painful memories.
What is the focus of Chapter 11?
Chapter 11 (p. 97-106) sees Joe and Alice together in Elspeth's house, talking about what would be if Alice were younger. Elspeth comes home. Joe is disgusted by Elspeth and associates that feeling with Alice, wanting to leave.
What conversation takes place between Joe and Reggie about Susan in Chapter 12?
Chapter 12 (p. 106-115) details Joe talking with Reggie about Susan (who he didn't call), and Reggie says that Susan is talking about Joe steadily. Teddy, Reggie, and Joe talk about the war. They touch on the topic of "Alice," and Reggie and Teddy seem to know what's going on between Joe and Alice.
What argument do Joe and Alice have in Chapter 13?
Chapter 13 (p. 115-120) sees Alice and Joe having a quarrel because she once let her body be painted naked. He thinks this is not decent.
What realization does Joe have about his jealousy in Chapter 14?
Chapter 14 (p. 120-124) sees Joe walking through the streets, thinking about the quarrel and why he is so bruised. He realizes it is his jealousy. He remembers Charles saying "… they are no better than prostitutes…" and realizes he has changed.
What happens at Sally Carstairs' birthday party in Chapter 15?
Chapter 15 (p. 124-131) sees Joe getting an invitation to Sally Carstairs' birthday party. He wonders if he has a chance with Sally. He meets Susan at the party, they kiss in the garden and agree to meet the next day, both enamored.
What are Joe's ulterior motives in Chapter 16?
Chapter 16 (p. 132-140) sees Joe and Susan going to Benton by bus. They cuddle, but don't have sex. He suddenly feels alone but pushes away that feeling. He has ulterior motives in being with Susan (she is Grade A, has a rich father, and Joe expects a good job, etc.). He keeps pretending to be someone else.
What advice does Hoylake give Joe in Chapter 17?
Chapter 17 (p. 140-146) sees Hoylake indirectly advising Joe not to go out with Susan anymore. Mr. Brown has a great deal of influence ("…if anyone got in his way he´d be utterly ruthless…"). Hoylake suggests concentrating on the girls going to the Civic Ball.
How does Joe feel compared to Jack Wales in Chapter 18?
Chapter 18 (p. 146-152) sees Joe thinking that he can't make it in the "rich world" because of his background. He feels Susan is too good for him and feels cheap compared to Jack Wales, remembering Alice.
What happens at the Folly in Chapter 19?
Chapter 19 (p. 152-159) sees Joe and Susan going to the Folly (on the way, he sees a young working-class couple, making him feel complacent). Susan tells Joe that she is going to the Civic Ball with Jack (her parents don't like her going out with Joe). They talk about marriage and having children, but what he says to Susan is actually meant for someone else.
What are the key events of the Civic Ball in Chapter 20?
Chapter 20 (p.159-164) focuses on the Civic Ball. Mr. Brown and Jack invite Joe for a drink, they chat. He feels queasy.
Why does Joe phone Alice in Chapter 21?
Chapter 21 (p. 164-169) sees Joe phoning Alice: "...I must see you... I´m sorry about it all..." He actually misses sex and is frustrated with the teenage games he has been playing with Susan. He tells Alice that he loves her, and she feels the same.
What is Joe's relationship with Susan and Alice in Chapter 22?
Chapter 22 (p. 169-174) sees Joe going out with Susan and Alice at the same time. He is happy with Alice but doesn't enjoy making love to Susan; she is just a toy. He recaptures his youth with Susan. Alice is unhappy because she thinks she is too old for Joe. On his way back, he meets Eva Storr, who realizes he has been with a woman (not Susan).
What news does Joe receive in letters in Chapter 23?
Chapter 23 (p. 174-177) sees Joe getting a letter from Susan, who is angry because she found out about Alice. He also gets a letter from Charles, offering him to come to Cumley earlier. Teddy applies for a better job, and Joe tells him that he doesn't care.
What is Joe and Alice's vacation like in Chapter 24?
Chapter 24 (p. 178-184) sees Joe and Alice taking Charles' offer and going on holiday together, behaving like a married couple. He secretly wishes she were younger. Alice is jealous of a young girl. He discovers what real love is like and experiences sex anew.
What happens when Alice has to leave in Chapter 25?
Chapter 25 (p. 184-190) sees Alice having to leave. They really love each other (Joe:"…I´ll love you till the day I die…"). He meets Charles and Roy, who both have girlfriends too. He isn't attracted by the young girl he met before because he loves Alice that much.
What does Charles advise Joe about Alice in Chapter 26?
Chapter 26 (p. 190-195) sees Charles and Joe talking about Alice. Charles doesn't want Joe to be with her (because of her age and the fact that she is married). Joe has to promise Charles that he will write a letter to Susan and try to get her back.
What causes Susan to return to Joe in Chapter 27?
Chapter 27 (p. 195-199) sees Charles helping to write the letter, and Susan comes back to Joe. He realizes that he cannot have Alice and Warley at the same time, but he doesn't want to leave Warley in any case. Susan wants Joe to quit with Alice, but Alice is in the hospital; Joe wants to finish the affair face to face. Susan is angry because of this.
What deal does Mr. Brown offer Joe in Chapter 28?
Chapter 28 (p. 199-212) sees Joe giving Ray (who stole some money in the Town Hall) another chance. Joe meets with Mr. Brown (meets Jack Wales there, too). Mr. Brown tests if Joe really loves Susan, wanting Joe to marry her because she is pregnant. He also offers Joe a job à only condition: Joe has to leave Alice immediately (he tells Joe that Alice had an affair with Jack Wales).
What causes Joe to finish with Alice in Chapter 29?
Chapter 29 (p. 212-215) sees Joe finishing with Alice. Susan is not the true reason, but Jack Wales is.
What is the tragic conclusion to Alice's story in Chapter 30?
Chapter 30 (p. 215-235) sees Teddy telling Joe that Alice is dead (accident with her car). He takes a bus out of Warley, prowls, and gets drunk. Eva and Bob find him totally drunken and take him home. He thinks he is guilty of Alice's death.
- Quote paper
- Svenja Rokitta (Author), 2003, Braine, John - Room at the Top -Chapter Summary, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/107740
