Chapter 3 Summary

Back in West Berlin, the Narrator wants to drive fast, order drinks late, and otherwise enjoy decadent pleasures. While tending to every detail in her busy bar, Esther tells the Narrator about having to choose between Marlow or Bill for sex. Later, the Narrator tells an impresario about his trip to the East and is amazed to hear the man say it is more fascist-like there than in West Berlin. Even dissidents there do not want the Western social system.

Urban renovation finally reaches the Narrator's block and facades are all torn up. He sees a fifty-something blonde diva a in a long gown trying to find the key to his neighbor's apartment. Claiming to be Frieda Loch, it is clearly he. Robert cannot be reached by phone for 20 minutes. He is getting car dealers to show him the latest Western models, demanding...