Janice's Sudden Engagement

This subplot follows Janice's transition from years of uncertain dating to an abruptly confident engagement.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Years of Dating

Relationships Without Certainty A long search Janice has dated several men, including relationships lasting six and three years. She has repeatedly discussed difficulties and has not felt at peace about marrying her earlier partners. A disciplined life Chapman describes her as organized, conscientious, thoughtful, and caring. Her unexpected arrival at his office signals a break from her usual self-presentation.

An Unannounced Visit

Excitement Replaces Crisis A surprising entrance Janice asks for five minutes without an appointment. Chapman expects distress, but she enters beaming and nearly skips into the office. News of marriage She announces that she is engaged to David and plans to marry in September. The scene contrasts her outward joy with the caution her history might invite.

Three Weeks Together

Rapid Commitment A feeling of certainty Janice says she knew David was the one from their first date. A week later he proposed, and she expected to accept. Speed as a signal The swift decision illustrates the force of infatuation in the book's argument. It also leaves little time for the couple to test daily compatibility.

Warnings Lose Their Weight

The Facts Recede Complications acknowledged David has been married twice, has three children, and has held three jobs in the past year. Janice regards these facts as trivial beside her happiness. Emotion shapes judgment The narrative does not report what happens to the planned wedding. Instead, it uses her certainty to show how intense romantic feeling can narrow attention.

A Case of Infatuation

The Chapter's Example A vivid illustration Chapman identifies Janice's condition as falling in love. Her excitement gives readers an immediate portrait of the euphoria discussed in the chapter. No reported resolution The book provides no later account of the engagement or marriage. Her subplot therefore serves as an illustration, not a completed marital biography.

Across the eighteen years before Janice's visit

At age thirty-six, before the September wedding plan

Three weeks after Janice begins dating David

During Janice's account of why David seems right

At the end of Janice's office visit