The Dreamer's Awkwardness with Visitors

White Nights

A subplot illustrating the Dreamer's social anxiety when a friend visits, highlighting his inability to connect with real people.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
The Unwelcome VisitorThe Unwelcome Visitor
The Unwelcome Visitor A Friend's Visit A friend comes to see the Dreamer, but he is so embarrassed that he cannot carry on a conversation. He tries to be polite but fails. The Awkward Silence The friend is also uncomfortable, and after a few minutes, he makes an excuse to leave, vowing never to return. The Dream's Shame The Dreamer compares himself to a frightened kitten that has been tormented by children. He knows he is a poor host, but he cannot help it.
The Aftermath of the VisitThe Aftermath of the Visit
The Aftermath of the Visit Self-Loathing After the friend leaves, the Dreamer feels ashamed and depressed. He knows he has driven away a potential connection. The Comfort of Solitude He retreats back into his fantasy world, where he is the hero and no one judges him. His room becomes his fortress. The Cycle Continues This pattern repeats. He dreams of friendship but cannot handle it when it arrives. His isolation is self-perpetuating.
some time in the past, described in the monologue
after the friend leaves, in the past