Chapter 4 Summary

The morning after Herzog returns from his trip to Libby's house, he starts a letter to Monsignor Hilton, the priest who had converted Madeleine. In Herzog's letter to the monsignor, he tells how Madeleine would change her appearance when she would went to church. She would dress in serious clothes and put on heavy makeup. Madeleine wanted to get away from her parents' bohemian roots.

When Herzog purchased the house in the country for Madeleine to settle down and raise their family, the house took over his waking hours. Everything in the house was falling apart, and he had to tend to it. He was no longer getting any writing or research done. Herzog and Madeleine often fought about money and lifestyle. To Madeleine, social status was important, even if it was a lie.

Herzog recalls his one-year teaching stint in Pittsburgh. He...