Chapters Fifteen, Sixteen and Seventeen Summary and Analysis

Lessing takes a job in another law firm because her husband says it is not good for them to spend all their waking hours together. It is at this time that the German cities are being bombed by the Allieds, and although he does not say anything about it, Gottfried is deeply affected and does not sleep well.

Lessing describes her typical day at that time in her life, working at the law firm, going to meetings, and sometimes talking to her mother, who does not understand Lessing at all. She remembers the night the war is over in Europe, and instead of feeling overjoyed like everyone else, she is empty and sad, because her husband has no news of his family in Germany. Lessing takes a new job for more pay, working...