The teacher announces a competition: the pupil who will be able to better describe how he sees his future will be surrounded by a laurel wreath, like the great poets of the past. Perry also wants to participate in the competition, despite the fact that he is semi-illiterate and does not even go to school because he is too poor to afford it. Unfortunately, the aunt he lives with becomes ill and Perry is unable to participate in the contest, which is won by Emily. Despite this Perry has very clear ideas: he will study hard even if he cannot attend school, he will become an important character and above all he will marry Emily.