Section 9: p. 104-119 Summary

Wertheimer is smitten with failure, happy in his unhappiness. He commits suicide to avoid losing his unhappiness. Wertheimer refuses to perform concerts because he is inferior to Glenn Gould. Wertheimer is an extraordinary pianist, second only to Glenn Gould. Lesser pianists are not ruined by Glenn Gould. Wertheimer ruins his talent by isolating himself, unlike Glenn Gould who improves his talent through isolation. Wertheimer is a failure from the beginning because of his pride. After he quits playing the piano, Wertheimer attempts to play for the narrator who advises him never to play again.

Wertheimer broods over the criticism. The narrator keeps his piano virtuosity a secret which helps him. This secret is dead to Wertheimer. Since they are from wealthy families, the narrator, Wertheimer and Glenn Gould do not have to worry about earning money. This shames Wertheimer...