Summary
"Independence Day" unfolds over a transformative Fourth of July weekend in 1988, following Frank Bascombe, a divorced 44-year-old realtor, through his reflections on family, career, and personal relationships. As Frank embarks on a road trip with his troubled son, Paul, he grapples with the challenges of fatherhood and the complexities of his professional life. Throughout the journey, Frank faces moments of introspection, confrontation, and potential reconciliation, offering a poignant exploration of the themes of independence and connection.
Chapter 1
The story begins on a Friday, the start of the Fourth of July weekend, in Haddam, New Jersey. Frank Bascombe, a divorced realtor, is preparing for a road trip with his fifteen-year-old son, Paul. Before picking up Paul, Frank plans to visit his girlfriend, Sally Caldwell, along the Jersey Shore. Their relationship seems on the brink, filled with uncertainties. Meanwhile, Frank is preoccupied with concerns about Paul, who has recently faced legal troubles for shoplifting and assault. Hoping to mend their strained relationship, Frank plans a road trip to the basketball and baseball halls of fame, hoping it will help guide Paul, a bright yet emotionally struggling teenager, back onto the right path.
Chapter 2
Frank’s day begins with a visit to one of his rental properties to collect rent. The tenants, the McLeods, often display hostility during these visits. Today, no one answers the door, though Frank is certain someone is inside. Subsequently, Frank heads to his office and then meets Joe and Phyllis Markham, potential buyers considering a move from Vermont. The Markhams struggle with their budget, unable to find a suitable house among the many Frank has shown them. Despite their disagreements, Frank takes them to see another property, hoping to finalize a sale.
Chapter 3
Frank shows the Markhams a remodeled farmhouse owned by Ted Houlihan. Although it's not exactly their dream home, it fits their budget, and Frank hopes they might be persuaded to buy it. Joe is initially unimpressed, while Phyllis is more enthusiastic until she learns of a nearby minimum-security prison. This becomes a major deterrent for her, despite assurances from Houlihan that the prison poses no issues. As Joe begins to see potential in the house, Frank encourages them, believing they could be happy there. He drops them back at their motel to contemplate their decision.
Chapter 4
Reflecting on his past, Frank recalls his former careers as a short-story writer and sports journalist. The tragic death of his son, Ralph, from Reye’s syndrome, deeply affected his marriage, leading to divorce. Frank sought change, moving from Florida to France, before settling back in Haddam to pursue a career in real estate. While contemplating a reconciliation with his ex-wife Ann, she remarried and moved to Connecticut, a decision that shook Frank. Despite these personal upheavals, Frank eventually found contentment in his new profession.
Returning to collect rent from the McLeods, Frank encounters further complications. A neighbor, Myrlene Beavers, mistakes him for a burglar and calls the police. Frank explains his predicament, but it leaves him frustrated and weary.
Chapter 5
Frank checks on a hot-dog stand he co-owns with Karl Bemish, an older widower. They partnered to rescue the struggling business, which Frank now manages with a unique menu featuring root beer and Polish wurst-dogs. Karl expresses concerns about suspicious individuals seen near the stand. Afterward, Frank drives to Sally’s beach house, reflecting on the unsolved murder of a former colleague, Clair Devane. Upon arriving, Sally is absent, giving Frank time to nap before their uneasy dinner. Frank senses a shift in their relationship but leaves without addressing it openly.
Chapter 6
On his...
(This entire section contains 1192 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
journey, Frank calls Ann and learns of a violent altercation between Paul and her husband, Charley. Disturbed, Frank also speaks with Joe Markham, who informs him they’ve enlisted another realtor. Attempting to reconnect with Sally, Frank finds her unavailable and continues toward Connecticut. At a motel, Frank witnesses a crime scene, sparking memories of his relationship with Clair. The night leaves Frank in a contemplative state, pondering mortality and his stalled life.
Chapter 7
Continuing his journey, Frank checks in on Ted Houlihan regarding the Markhams' interest. Ted's news of other potential buyers irritates Frank, who arrives in Deep River, Connecticut, with mixed emotions. Outside Ann's house, a dead grackle raises his suspicions about Paul's behavior. After a tense exchange with a policeman, Frank reunites with his daughter Clarissa, who downplays Paul's issues as stress-related. Ann later shares her worries about Paul’s reckless actions and suggests Frank consults Paul’s psychiatrist. Their conversation touches on unresolved feelings from their past relationship, but both accept they can't mend what’s broken. As Paul appears, Frank prepares for their road trip.
Chapter 8
During the trip, Frank tries to connect with Paul by discussing topics like the Framers of the Constitution, but Paul remains disinterested. They visit the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, where Frank attempts to contact Sally for a rendezvous, but she declines. Continuing on to Cooperstown, the tension between father and son is palpable. Paul's dismissal of Emerson's essays, culminating in tearing out a page, frustrates Frank. They check into the Deerslayer Inn, with Frank still yearning for meaningful conversation.
Chapter 9
As Frank rests, he receives a message from Phyllis Markham, indicating renewed interest in Ted's house. Unable to contact Ted, Frank’s personal life also remains in limbo with Sally. He meets Char, a hotel employee, who suggests a nearby eatery. Discovering a book of his old stories, Frank is momentarily angered by its presence but regains composure. Despite Char’s flirtation, Frank’s mind remains preoccupied. Paul unexpectedly joins him, leading to a rare serious discussion about past events, marking a breakthrough moment in their communication.
Chapter 10
The following morning, Frank informs Ted of the Markhams’ offer but learns the house has already been sold. Frustrated, Frank takes Paul to breakfast, where they share their most genuine conversation yet. At the Baseball Hall of Fame, they encounter protesters, leading to a reflective walk. In a bid to bond, Frank takes Paul to a batting cage, but a playful scuffle turns serious. Paul is injured by a stray baseball, prompting a chaotic scene that brings Frank’s stepbrother Irv into the picture after decades apart.
Chapter 11
At the hospital, Frank anxiously awaits news of Paul’s condition, learning he has a severe eye injury. A surgeon recommends immediate surgery, prompting Frank to contact Ann. She arrives with a specialist, Dr. Burris, who plans to transfer Paul to New Haven for the operation. Frank is reassured by the doctor’s expertise, and Paul’s willingness to stay with Frank post-recovery brings hope. As Paul is airlifted, Frank shares a bittersweet farewell with Ann, solidifying their new understanding.
Chapter 12
Back in Haddam on the Fourth of July, Frank reflects on recent events. The Markhams, unable to buy Ted's house, agree to rent from him. Frank receives positive news about Paul’s surgery, though future challenges remain. Despite complications with his business partner, Frank feels optimistic about his relationship with Sally. Immersed in holiday festivities, Frank contemplates the past and future, buoyed by the possibility of reconnecting with Paul and the hope of new beginnings.