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 dreams of escaping his current situation are clouded by his mother's intense involvement, yet he is also captivated by local girl Miriam Levers, with whom he shares a stimulating mental connection that he hopes will eventually evolve into a romantic partnership.