Chapter 41, On the Fiber Rug Summary

Oskar, confined to bed in the asylum, believes Klepp is trying to get even with him. Now a devoted Communist, Klepp is trying to force Oskar to leave his refuge. After their initial meeting, the two men socialize. They go to the movies together regularly. They often go out for beer, sometimes sitting in with the band at the Unicorn, but fail to find a guitarist for their band.

Together, Oskar and Klepp lay a fiber runner in the hall of the boardinghouse. It was on this rug that Oskar met Sister Dorothea for the first time. Surprised by his sudden appearance, the nurse lets out a little scream. She initially mistakes Oskar for the Devil. Oskar, in his guise as Satan, vows his love for her, and Sister Dorothea faints. When she returns to...