Section VIII (pages 211-240) Summary

In section VIII Richard has returned to E. and is processing the death of Taylor. He discovers that he has a better command of the language but somehow is less able to communicate. C. mistakes Richard's grief for Taylor as something directed at her. She feels guilty that she dragged him there. Richard is unable to describe his feelings, saying that everything is fine. Richard's book success put a strain on the relationship as they try to deal with the press.

Richard buries himself in his work. C. is supportive, but that support comes at the cost of not doing passionate work of her own. Richard creates a world that she can live in through his characters and stories, but she becomes more and more disconnected and dissatisfied with the real world. Richard discovers that Helen is...