This passage is particularly important to the development of Philip, who is only eight years old at the time, and his understanding of the world in which he lives. After a day’s worth of fun, the Roth family vacation has turned into a nightmare. The specific situation intensifies after the manager accuses Herman of stealing a bar of soap from what was once their hotel room. Herman blames Lindbergh for the commotion and demands involvement of police. In the midst of it all, Philip asks Sandy “What happened?” (Roth pg 69) in a soft voice. His older brother’s reply, “Anti-Semitism”, is short and to the point. The way Philip approaches his brother for information, and how he trusts his response, reveals the curiosity he holds for the future.