Summary

In Chapter 8, when Benjamin returned home from war, he was depressed by Hildegarde's aged appearance (26). In the privacy of his room, Benjamin compared his face in the mirror to a picture of himself before the war. He now appeared as if he were 30. He once believed that when his body reached the same age as his appearance, "the grotesque phenomenon" would stop (26). This theory was proving incorrect.

Benjamin decided to discuss the matter with Hildegarde. However, when he introduced the subject of his youthful appearance, she called him selfish and inconsiderate. She was irritated that he always had to be different from everyone else. She wanted him to stop this ridiculous game. He insisted he could not "help it" (27).

There was nothing he could do. His marriage worsened. He spent more time socializing and partying. When people saw him with Hildegarde, they pitied...