Claude continues to be disheartened by his unsatisfactory marriage with Enid. As Enid becomes more and more involved in the Prohibitionist movement (alongside Bayliss), she spends whole days away from home. She leaves Claude cold, depressing meals, which he consumes alone. She also spends a great deal of time collaborating with Brother Weldon and prohibits Claude from spending time with Ernest. Furthermore, because Enid is disgusted by all his attempts at physical intimacy, Claude has very few outlets for human connection.

Claude feels isolated and weary as he contemplates the disappointing reality of his American dream. He finds slight comfort in watching the growth of his gourd vine. Gazing at the vine, he begins to contemplate other countries overseas and other possible ways of life.

The Royce family receives a letter explaining that Enid’s sister Carrie is sick in a Chinese hospital. The letter requests that a family member come to care for her. Enid immediately insists that she must move to China (eager to fulfill her original goal and escape her marriage with Claude). Mr. Royce conveys his sympathies to Claude, saying, “A man hasn’t got much control over his own life, Claude. If it ain’t poverty or disease that torments him, it’s a name on the map” (361).