Chapter 6, The Dog, Part 1 Summary

Jewish suicide is rare. It takes two years for Ernie to recover because Mordecai heard him fall and found him immediately. Ernie's believes he is no longer looking through the eyes of his soul, eyes that have been deceitful. The beauty he had once seen is gone, and Ernie realizes that this is his new truth. He refuses to speak, but feels some understanding of the Jewish situation and even Ilse's responses that fateful day. His family is joyous when he speaks, but Ernie dreads he is just returning to his former way of living, which to him is a farce.

Ernie takes up boxing and practices in secret. He teaches himself as well as can, but his first actual fight takes him by surprise, having not had a live opponent before. Ernie wins his first battle...