Chapters 3 and 4 Summary

Initially, Narcissus has more trouble than does Goldmund with their new friendship, because he foresaw that it would become extremely important to both their lives. Goldmund, on the other hand, had been thrown into turmoil by the young girl's kiss, and the safer relationship with Narcissus is unsatisfactory, because his teacher is too exacting and does not seem to know how to have a simple, undemanding friendship. He thinks Narcissus is slightly contemptuous of him, but in reality Narcissus admires Goldmund greatly. He sees that Goldmund is mistaken about being headed for the life of a monk, whereas for Narcissus such a fate is certain, which means to him that their friendship must be ascetic, distanced, and cerebral. One day, they talk about the night Goldmund had become ill, and he confesses that he had gone to the village and kissed...