The Subplot of the Attempted Pawn of the Blanket

The protagonist's struggle over whether to pawn Hans Pauli's blanket, and his eventual relief at failing to do so.

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The Temptation

The Temptation The Thought of Pawn Sitting in the cemetery, the protagonist thinks of pawning Hans Pauli's blanket. He is desperate for food. He goes to the pawnshop, but the broker refuses. The Relief He is relieved that he could not pawn it. He feels he has preserved his honor. He spreads the blanket back on the bed. The Self-Congratulation He tells himself that his conscience is clear. He is still an honest man.

The Second Attempt

The Second Attempt The Desperation Returns Later, he again considers pawning the blanket. He goes to a different pawnbroker, but again fails. The Shame He feels ashamed of his intentions. He is grateful that he did not succeed. The blanket remains a symbol of his borrowed decency. The Final Resolution He never pawns it. He returns it to Hans Pauli eventually? Not explicitly, but he leaves it behind when he goes to the lodging house. The blanket is a thread of his connection to a friend.

Part II

Part III