Summary

In Chapter 15, Monk contemplates his fight with Marilyn, realizing it resulted from his frustrations with himself and not Marilyn’s “questionable taste” (221). He wonders if he is incapable of preserving relationships.

Yul is surprised by Monk’s demand to change the title of the novel (221). He is also impressed by how Monk gained Morgenstein’s respect as Stagg.

For three weeks, Monk visits Mother every day at Columbia. When she is herself, they listen to music and imagine taking trips together.

The director of the National Book Association calls Monk and asks him to be a “judge for the award” (223). Monk agrees, because he likes the idea of critiquing other writers’ work. He meets the other judges on a teleconference. He listens to them talk and barely weighs in. Meanwhile, he privately questions the definition of art itself.

Monk reads all of the...