Read chapters XII-XXI.
Content Summary for Teachers
Chapter 12
The narrator drinks absinthe with Strickland in a Parisian cafe and confronts him about leaving his wife and children. Strickland shows no remorse or concern, no matter how the narrator tries to frame it. Strickland admits that his actions are monstrous and doesn't care. This bewilders the narrator. Soon, the narrator questions Strickland about why he has left his family. He learns that Strickland left to pursue life as a painter and there is no other woman. He says there is no chance he'll be returning to his family, and it becomes clear that he feels passionately compelled to paint. The narrator remains disturbed by his...
