Chapter 3, Part 1 Summary

The chapter begins with a lengthy description of the angst of Claude Lantier. At times he wants to be alone with his painting but at other times he needs the lively arguments with his friends. Even solitary walking through the streets of Paris fails to take his mind off his artistic impotence. Claude begins to recognize a certain aloofness that borders on hostility on the part of Dubuche. Going to Duquersonnièr's studio where he is lively to find Dubuche, the conflict between Claude and the aspiring architects shows itself in the rude comments directed at Claude and the exasperation of Dubuche at having Claude show up there. Claude feels his bad luck getting worse as he leaves Dubuche who is on his way to enter his architectural drawing in the upcoming competition. Stopping at a third rate wine-shop for a...