The End Of The Affair

Months later, Sarah has returned to her mundane life. She has a passive aggressive relationship with Henry, and while he sleeps, she watches him. Sarah recognizes that he is the innocent one and that she was the “guilty party” (55), but her newfound innocence is maddening.

One night, she asks him whether he has ever had an affair with a secretary. Henry replies that he has “never loved any other woman” (55) and returns to reading the newspaper. Sarah, who used to love both Henry and Bendrix, now finds that she doesn’t love anyone. She blames this on God.

Sarah and Henry celebrate VE Day, but Sarah does not like the peace. They watch the Royal Family appear on a balcony, and Sarah wishes she was with Bendrix. While cleaning out an old bag, Sarah finds Richard’s card and hopes that he can dissuade her from the existence of God, so she can return to her old life.

She visits Richard’s home in Cedar Road. After tea, they sit and chat about religion. Sarah tells Richard about “the bomb falling and the stupid vow” (57). Richard encourages Sarah to “leave the idea of God out of this. It’s just a question of your lover and your husband.