Paul finds his own desires to escape to a different life sidetracked by his mother's possessiveness but also by local girl Miriam Leivers, with whom he has an intellectual relationship that he desires to become physical.
Paul's aspirations to start anew are hindered by his mother's overbearing nature, but also by his connection with local girl Miriam Leivers, whom he shares an intellectual bond that he hopes will eventually transition into a physical relationship.