Manhattan Transfer · Chapter
III: Revolving Doors explained
George Baldwin abruptly ends his affair with Nevada Jones after discovering evidence of her infidelity, then impulsively seeks out Ellen Herf.
What happens
George Baldwin abruptly ends his affair with Nevada Jones after discovering evidence of her infidelity, then impulsively seeks out Ellen Herf. Meanwhile, Jimmy Herf struggles with his marriage to Ellen, his exhausting newspaper job, and a growing sense of alienation, culminating in a drunken late-night confrontation with Ellen about their failing relationship.
Themes in this chapter
Urban Alienation
Jimmy Herf feels trapped in a cramped apartment and a dehumanizing job, walking through icy streets with a sense of isolation.
Love and Marriage
The Herfs' marriage is strained by incompatible schedules and emotional distance; Baldwin's affair ends in farce.
Illusion and Performance
Nevada Jones pretends to be practicing dancing, and Baldwin puts on a legalistic front while ending the affair.
Characters to notice
- George Baldwin
Ends his affair with Nevada Jones after finding Tony Hunter's trousers, then impulsively seeks out Ellen Herf.
- Nevada Jones
Giggles hysterically after Baldwin discovers her with Tony Hunter and breaks off their relationship.
- Tony Hunter
Emerges from Nevada's bedroom in his shirt and drawers after Baldwin leaves.
- Jimmy Herf
Struggles with his marriage, his job, and a sense of despair, eventually getting drunk and confronting Ellen late at night.
- Ellen Thatcher
Discusses moving to separate rooms with Jimmy, and later receives his drunken late-night visit.
- Anna Cohen
Walks up Second Avenue with a young Jewish man who criticizes her former boyfriend and encourages her to rejoin the union.
Key passages
“Space space cleanness quiet; the words were gesticulating in his mind as if he were addressing a vast auditorium.”
Jimmy longs for more room and peace, imagining himself speaking to a huge audience about his need for space.
Reflects Jimmy's desire for escape from his cramped life.
“I guess I dont love anybody for long unless they’re dead. I’m a terrible sort of person. It’s no use talking about it.”
Ellen admits she can only sustain love for people who are dead, calling herself a terrible person.
Ellen's confession of emotional detachment during her confrontation with Jimmy.