Intermezzo

Peter spends much of his free time with Sylvia. He shares the story of his failed lunch with Ivan, which amuses her. Sylvia poses a philosophical problem: If a liar claims that “all of his hats are green” (127), what is the precise nature of his lie? They discuss the literary merits of the Gospel, reminding Peter of his tenuous faith. On another day, Peter sits in on one of Sylvia’s classes, which reminds him again of their college days. Later in bed, they flirt, which Sylvia interrupts with a question about Peter’s relationship with Naomi. Peter suggests that the end of that relationship is imminent.

Sylvia wonders if Peter ever talks about her pain with anyone else. She has hardly spoken about it herself; Peter is the only person who really knows what she experiences. Sylvia muses that her life is over: For example, she can’t have sex without feeling pain, forcing her to set aside any romantic endeavors. She is still capable of experiencing some pleasure. Peter tries to indulge this by placing his hand on her belly, which she likes, but then she suddenly bursts into tears, wanting Peter to “remember [her] the way [she] was” (135).