Chapter 14 Summary

In Rome, Tom uses Dickie's passport to register at the Hotel Europa, a moderately priced establishment near the Via Venetio. He avoids the flashier Hassler, patronized by people like Freddie Miles, who knew Dickie. Tom rehearses extensively, practicing conversations with Marge, Fausto and Freddie over the phone as Dickie. He also rehearses quickly switching back into Tom Ripley, in case one of them shows up in person. He keeps a few sets of Tom's clothes in the closet, and is ready to take off Dickie's rings at any time. He finds it easy to forget the exact timbre of Tom Ripley's voice, since he is constantly using Dickie's voice now. He even practices dancing like Dickie, gliding somewhat clumsily across the floor with a woman. Tom finds it impossible to be lonely or bored as long as he is Dickie Greenleaf.

Marge sends...