Summary

In "Box II," Chapter 1, everything changes with Hans when he discovers Katharina’s relationship with Vadim. She begs for forgiveness, but he is unsympathetic. He verbally berates her for her betrayal. He does not want to get involved with her again without fully understanding who she is. He demands she expose her diaries, notebooks, and letters. Although Hans knows there is something behind “his humiliation,” he ignores it (171).

In Chapter 2, Katharina assures Hans she only slept with Vadim once. She packs up her life in Frankfurt and ends her internship. She “doesn’t see Vadim” (171).

Hans’s anger and distrust confuses Katharina about herself. She is unsure which of “her feelings is genuine” (172). One day, Hans forces her to write a letter to Vadim terminating their relationship.

Hans obsesses over Katharina’s affair. He blames her for ruining their relationship and...