Chapter 8 Summary

Henry calls upon Van Norden, a man of high sexual activity whose angst about life in general is a continuous chain of complaints and outbursts. They go to the Dome hotel and watch the women. Van Norden usually has his way with women, except Norma who puts up a struggle. Henry explains why he and his friends call each other Joe. This makes things easier and is a reminder to not take oneself too seriously. Van Norden wants to find a rich woman to be with, because he is tired of his sexual pattern, which has become too mechanical and automatic. One of his Danish women takes his mind away from his troubles, because he finds her very stimulating. Another woman shows no emotion, another attraction for him. Van Norden asks Henry if he will have sex with the mother of a woman...