The Encounters with Authority and Society

The protagonist's conflicts with societal institutions: police, pawnbrokers, landlords, and employers.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Police and the Guardhouse

The Police and the Guardhouse The Homeless Night After losing his keys, the protagonist cannot enter his room. A policeman suggests reporting as homeless. He uses the false name Andreas Tangen and claims to be a journalist from Morgenbladet. He is given a cell in the VIP section. The Night in Darkness In the cell, the gas goes out after ten minutes. He is terrified by the darkness, hallucinates, and invents the word 'Kuboa.' He struggles with madness, fearing he is losing his mind. The Morning Release In the morning, he is released without a breakfast ticket. He walks out, maintaining his false identity, but feels humiliated and hungry.

Rejection from the Fire Brigade

Rejection from the Fire Brigade The Application The protagonist recalls applying to the fire brigade. He stood in line with others, thrusting out his chest. An inspector felt his arms and asked questions. When he approached, the inspector shook his head, rejecting him on account of his sight. The Second Attempt He tried again without glasses, making his eyes sharp, but the inspector recognized him and smiled. He was rejected again. The Consequence This rejection is one of many that have dashed his hopes. He feels the world is against him, and his poverty is a curse.

The Grocer's Rejection

The Grocer's Rejection The Application for Bookkeeping He sees an advertisement for a grocer in Groenlandsleret who needs a bookkeeper. He applies, but dates his letter 1848 out of distraction. The grocer, Christy, laughs and rejects him. The Humiliation He tries to explain, but it is too late. The place is filled. He is furious, stamping through the streets, blaming fate. The Impact This trivial error costs him a chance. He feels his mind is failing him.

The Pawnshop Rejections

The Pawnshop Rejections The Attempt to Pawn the Blanket The protagonist tries to pawn Hans Pauli's blanket. He goes to a pawnbroker in Stener's Street, but the broker refuses, saying it's worthless. He tries to pawn his glasses, also refused. The Buttons Later, he attempts to pawn the buttons from his coat. The pawnbroker laughs at him. He offers his glasses again, but is turned away. The Sense of Worthlessness These rejections reinforce his feeling that he has nothing of value. He is a nonentity in the economic system.

The Eviction from the Lodging House

The Eviction from the Lodging House The Landlady's Patience Ends The landlady of the lodging house in Vaterland demands payment. The protagonist cannot pay. She forces him to move to the family room, then tells him he must leave the next morning. The Final Scene He tries to write in his old room, but the landlady screams at him, threatening to call the police. He leaves, but not before throwing the half-sovereign from Ylajali at her. The Outcome He is now homeless on the streets. The eviction is the final push that leads him to the ship.

Night, Part II

Before Part I (flashback)

Part II

Parts II and III

End of Part IV