Part 3 Summary

The disillusioned hunger artist tells himself he is too old to learn a new profession and too important to do small village fairs. In hopes of preserving his art until it comes into vogue again, he joins the circus.

His cage is positioned outside the main tent on the way to the menagerie. Gaily-printed placards frame his cage and a notice board keeps track of the number of days in his fast. At first, he looks forward to the crowds who pour out of the big top after a performance. However, the narrow gangway divides the audience into two warring factions: those who want to visit with him and those who want to get past quickly to see the animals. The ensuing commotion is hard to bear, as are the usual comments of disbelief, chicanery and now and then, an older patron recalling...