In the coffee shop, Jerry and his friends discuss someone's rent-controlled apartment. "50 years...they pay $300 a month." Later, there's a scene at the funeral home where they try to convince a grieving spouse to let them move into the apartment.

Elaine wonders why the restaurant uses a "first come, first served" allocation. She suggests that people should be seated based on hunger level.

The speakers describe a luxurious party during the Gilded Age, and how it was criticized due to the party's great expenses during a time of struggle for many working-class families. The narrator mentions how the major economic growth led to a large wealth gap between the rich and poor, and how the wealthy minority essentially gained control of America.

The speakers describe the changes for Black individuals after the Civil War and during the Gilded Age. mentioning that Blacks had opportunity during this time period and made communities with other Black individuals. They were also able to gain wealth and take advantage of their new rights and freedoms.

Over dinner, Bartleby tries to explain to his parents why it's not necessary for him to go to college. He argues that it's fiscally irresponsible to do so. His parents don't understand and tell him that he has to attend college in order to succeed in life. Bartleby gives examples of successful people who didn't attend college, but it doesn't change his parents' mind.