Chapter Seventeen (Geertrui) Summary

In the days that follow, Geertrui swims in love with Jacob. After ten days confined her room, Mrs. Wesseling emerges as if nothing has happened, but she has lost her criticism toward Geertrui. She goes about her daily activities, but it is like a pre-programmed robot, not a woman with passion in her life. Geertrui still spends her time with Jacob and does not care if they are discovered. The Winter of Hunger stretches on, and thousands of starving people make their way to the countryside each week begging for food. One afternoon, while Geertrui is hanging laundry in the sun, Jacob walks from the hidey-hole and embraces her in the open. The two laugh and kiss, enamored by the danger of their love. Suddenly, Jacob staggers and falls over. Moments later, he is dead from a massive heart...