# II: Symposium explained — The Beautiful and Damned > Chapter companion for The Beautiful and Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald. ## What happens Anthony considers his grandfather's offer to become a war correspondent, but the thought of leaving Gloria dissuades him. On a train to Marietta, he encounters Joseph Bloeckman, who has grown in dignity and now lives nearby. Back home, Anthony and Gloria reluctantly sign a lease to return to the gray house in Marietta, a decision they immediately regret. The summer there becomes oppressive, marked by a violent incident where Anthony strikes Gloria in public, deeply wounding their relationship. Gloria later faints from a suspected pregnancy, and the chapter explores her philosophy of independence and the erosion of their bond. ## Themes in this chapter ### Marriage and Disillusionment The chapter depicts the deepening cracks in Anthony and Gloria's marriage, from the violent incident to Gloria's fear of pregnancy and the loss of her independent spirit. ### Irony and Self-Deception Anthony and Gloria's decision to sign the lease for the gray house, driven by a drunken revel, leads to a self-imposed prison, highlighting their self-deception and ironic fate. ### Love and Possession Anthony's possessiveness and Gloria's declaration that her body belongs to him underscore the theme of love as ownership, especially in the context of her pregnancy fears. ## Character check-ins ### Anthony Patch Struggles with the offer to become a war correspondent, feeling torn between ambition and his attachment to Gloria. Later, he drunkenly strikes Gloria in public, leading to a crisis in their marriage. ### Gloria Gilbert Shows vulnerability after Anthony's violent outburst, fearing the loss of her pride and independence. She later faints from a suspected pregnancy, expressing dread about bodily change. ### Joseph Bloeckman Encountered by Anthony on a train; he has gained dignity and social weight, now living near Cos Cob and inviting a visit. ### Richard Caramel Mentioned as having sold his book to the movies but receiving little credit; he visits Anthony and Gloria and encourages them to keep the gray house. ### Tana Engages in cheerful conversation with Gloria on the porch, discussing his home country's customs. ### Adam J. Patch Offers to send Anthony to Europe as a war correspondent, but Anthony ultimately declines. ## Key lines > Anybody can’t be a war correspondent,” objected Anthony. “You have to have some newspaper willing to buy your stuff. And I can’t spare the money to go over as a freelance.” “I’ll send you over,” suggested his grandfather surprisingly. Anthony argues that becoming a war correspondent requires a paying newspaper, but his grandfather unexpectedly offers to fund the trip. _Highlights Anthony's hesitation and his grandfather's surprising generosity, setting up a conflict between ambition and attachment._ > “Anthony,” she cried, “we’ve signed and sent it!” “What?” “The lease!” “What the devil!” “Oh, Anthony!” There was utter misery in her voice. Gloria realizes in horror that they have signed and mailed the lease for the gray house, trapping them for another summer. _Captures the couple's impulsive decision and immediate regret, symbolizing their loss of control over their lives._ > “It seemed, last night,” she said gravely, her fingers playing in his hair, “that all the part of me you loved, the part that was worth knowing, all the pride and fire, was gone.” Gloria tells Anthony that after his violent outburst, she felt the loss of the pride and spirit he loved in her. _Reveals the deep emotional wound from Anthony's violence and the erosion of Gloria's identity within the marriage._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beautiful_and_damned_se/chapters/ii-symposium - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beautiful_and_damned_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_beautiful_and_damned_se/chapters