Summary

Paul and Susan’s relationship continued to deteriorate. Paul became generally more discontented as Susan’s apparent grip on reality continued to slowly but steadily loosen. Paul eventually managed to persuade Susan to go to a psychiatrist. Paul realized that while he was very upset with Susan’s deterioration, he also viewed his continuing commitment to her as proof of the true strength and substance of their relationship. One day, when Susan was very drunk and depressed, she said that it was the anniversary of the death of Gerald, her former sweetheart. Paul began to keep a notebook of thoughts, sayings, and ideas about love. In this notebook, he tried to reconcile what he saw as the essential truth of love and the essential deceitfulness conveyed by alcoholics, both towards others and towards themselves. Susan discovered this notebook and felt betrayed. Paul attempted to...