Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses violence, sexual violence, death by suicide, pregnancy termination, and death.

At breakfast, Noel reads out the news: Japanese troops have invaded Malaya and Pearl Harbor was attacked. The Japanese military avoided the heavily fortified Singapore, instead cutting across hundreds of miles of jungle straight into Malaya. Philip fears that he showed Endo the best route to cross Malaya, which was then passed along to the Japanese military. He suspects that everyone blames him, in part, for what has happened.

The British sent warships to fight the Japanese, but they were sunk, including William’s ship. Noel receives the call that William is dead. Noel is devastated; Philip takes charge of arranging the funeral. Isabel is comforted by Peter MacAllister. Philip spots Endo at the funeral service but they do not speak.

Philip’s grandfather returns to Ipoh to make sure that his staff is safe; he encourages Philip to take care of his family, including his aunt. Noel suggests that his children leave for Singapore, but they refuse. He suggests that Philip talk to Endo to find a way to protect their company without “compromising [their] integrity” (267). Philip senses his father’s ebbing doubt that the Japanese will be repelled.