Chapter 28

Tanis Judique once again contacts Babbitt. She tells him she needs some work done in her apartment, but when he gets there, she is at her most seductive. She sympathizes with his views and encourages him to think for himself, apart from the group. Babbitt finds himself confiding in her in a way he has not done since Paul. As the evening progresses, Babbitt calls Myra and tells her he is working late. He ends up spending the evening with Tanis.

Babbitt's strange ideas have alienated him from many of his friends. He has entirely switched positions on many of the political issues about which he once spoke. Tanis, however, supports him and even encourages him in his rebellion. He finds a freedom in being with her--the freedom to be totally different. He is excited and rejuvenated. In many ways, Babbitt's reasons for being with Tanis parallel those of Paul in regards to his relationship with May Arnold. While the comparison is unstated, it is an obvious undercurrent with powerful suggestiveness.

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