Summary

The section opens with Trudy telling Claude she is not selling the house so he can get rich. Claude replies that they can get rich together or be poor in separate prisons. Trudy and Claude then read the newspaper report of John’s death causing Trudy to begin sobbing. Claude seduces her and has sex with her in a very dangerous position for a pregnant woman. During the sex, the narrator decides to try to hang himself with his umbilical cord. He fails and decides that he wants to “become.” They order food and the doorbell soon rings, it is not their takeout, but Elodie.

Elodie enters while crying and asks Claude and Trudy if 50 poets can visit as a memorial for John. They agree and give Elodie some wine. Elodie and John’s relationship comes up and Elodie explains that they were...