Summary

Still at the cocktail party, Francie insists that she does not have a specific interest in any one subject, but that she is instead interested in writing and in syllables. The people to whom she speaks seem perplexed. As time progresses, Francie wonders if she actually has anything to write about or anything to say. She tries her best to limit these thoughts, and she tries to limit thoughts regarding abstract generalizations about writing. One day, her mother comes to visit her at school. She gives Francie a book called How to Be a Business Executive. Francie’s mother says, “Francie, Francie, remember when you were going to become a child psychology major?” (125), to which Francie responds, “Mom, I like to write” (125). Later Francie writes a story about a confused music student. Her classmates do not like it very much.

In paragraph 32, Francie feels...