Today's session began with a breakthrough. For the first time, Will wore glasses, saying, with understated sarcasm, that he thought this would improve his contributions to our intellectual discussions! He also struck a pose, glasses in hand, stating, "This is my best look." It is highly gratifying that Will's level of trust in, and comfort with, me has reached the point where he can let his hair down in this way. Clearly, he is enjoying this class. He engaged actively in discussion of substantive topics, including the canal era, the growth of railroads, and other technological developments; here he mentioned a 19th-century gun collection he and his father had seen at the Society of the Four Arts. We spent considerable time on gender issues, including work and life in factories (especially in the New England textile industry) and the "cult of domesticity." We closed with a discussion of the increase in class stratification. Will only needed one session break today.