Selby's Unrequited Love

This flow traces Selby's sudden attraction to Rue Barrée and the jealousy that exposes his emotional immaturity.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Newcomer Admiration

Newcomer Admiration Selby enters Julian's and learns the legend surrounding Rue Barrée. Social Imagination The mystery surrounding her gives the newcomer a ready-made object of fascination. Distance He knows her only through salutes, rumors, and the emotional reactions of older students.

Flower Market Encounter

Flower Market Encounter Selby sees Rue Barrée unable to afford a magnificent rose-bush at the flower market. Compassionate Impulse Her disappointment converts abstract fascination into personal concern. Romantic Gesture He purchases the rose and sends it anonymously with the pansies she can afford.

Floral Excess

Floral Excess Selby's room fills with flowers after his impulsive purchase. Embarrassed Desire The display reveals his feelings before he can explain them. Comic Exposure Clifford's teasing makes Selby confront the difference between private longing and public reputation.

Jealous Observation

Jealous Observation Selby becomes jealous of Foxhall Clifford's access to Rue Barrée. Suppressed Rivalry He tries to deny his feelings but watches Clifford's movements obsessively. Emotional Education Jealousy teaches him that admiration has become a claim he cannot ethically enforce.

Drunken Pursuit

Drunken Pursuit Selby drinks with Foxhall Clifford and later climbs toward Rue Barrée's lighted room. Disinhibition Alcohol turns restrained longing into reckless physical action. Shameful Recognition Inside the pure white room, Selby sees himself clearly and leaves with only a rose.

Selby's first week at Julian's

The following Sunday

That Sunday afternoon

The weeks after the flower market

A late night after the country excursion