The Marriage Plot

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of mental illness and sexual content.

At the end of the summer, Mitchell and Larry fly to Paris. Mitchell would have preferred London, but Larry, a Francophile, won out when he was able to secure cheap flights. When they arrive, they head to the apartment of Larry’s girlfriend, Claire, who is spending a semester abroad.

Mitchell instantly feels awkward and left out, especially upon noticing that the apartment contains only one bed. He tries to have a discussion with Claire about a book she is reading on feminist thought, but it devolves into Claire’s criticism of monotheistic religions when she learns of Mithcell’s religious studies pursuits.

They spend the afternoon wandering the city, and when they stumble upon a market, Larry gets inspired to cook a French dish. Back at Claire’s apartment, Larry prepares the dinner, and Claire announces that she is going to read on the bed. Mitchell pulls out a copy of A Moveable Feast, but Claire instantly begins criticizing Hemingway as a misogynist. After dinner, Mitchell asks where he can find a hotel. Both Larry and Claire try to protest, but not very sincerely.

As Mitchell walks away from Claire’s apartment, he recalls running into Madeleine in a bar just two days before the departing flight to Paris.