Part II: Chapters I, II and III Summary

The author talks of his own self-consciousness about his appearance. He says that his face carried a "nasty, abject expression" and that he tried to cover that by assuming an intelligent air. He notes that he could stand the revolting facial features if only people could see through that to the intelligence. Still, he remains so aware of his shortcomings that he finds he cannot meet the eyes of others. There are no decent men who do not act as slaves and cowards, according to the writer. He notes that only "asses and their mongrel hangers-on" will show courage at all times, and that these people are not even worth consideration.

The author talks of a period of isolation. He says that others weren't like him, but perversely he would occasionally...