What happened at the end of the novel?

In Chapter 20, Richard is transferred by the relief agency to the Federal Writers’ Project. Many of the other writers are Communists who shun him and actively try to get him fired. Richard tries to meet with the head of the local Communist party and attempt once more to explain how all of this is a complete misunderstanding of his motives. He is only permitted to meet with the leader’s secretary who tells him that there is nothing they cando for him.

The union where he works has voted to march in the 1936 May Day parade, but they purposely give Richard incorrect instructions so he will miss the start of the march. He tries to join in with another group of Communists, but is assaulted and physically thrownout of the parade. Richard realizes that he is considered a traitor and there is nothing he can do to correct that false assumption.