Martin gradually begins to achieve success as a writer through relentless effort. However, his success turns out to be far from the ideal he had envisioned, leading to inner conflict and an identity crisis. His relationship with Ruth grows increasingly distant, and he becomes disillusioned with the hypocrisy and materialism of the upper class. Martin feels alienated from both the working class he came from and the upper class he aspired to join, leaving him isolated. Part 2 explores his success and struggles, as well as the widening gap between his reality and his ideals.

CHAPTER XVI.
CHAPTER XVII.
CHAPTER XVIII.
CHAPTER XIX.
CHAPTER XX.
CHAPTER XXI.
CHAPTER XXII.
CHAPTER XXIII.
CHAPTER XXIV.
CHAPTER XXV.
CHAPTER XXVI.
CHAPTER XXVII.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
CHAPTER XXIX.
CHAPTER XXX.