Chapter 35

Summary

• The mother of Stengel, one of the chapter's central figures, testifies at the French trial, her account inconsistent; varying from denying her son’s possession of works of art, admitting to destroying several pieces, to recanting such admissions.
• Despite her contradictions, she expresses a strong resentment for her son, seizing the attention of the prosecutor who emphasizes her role in the cultural disaster and insists on her accountability.
• Stengel's psychological report is shared, which suggests that she destroyed the art pieces out of jealousy and spite, viewing them as rivals for her son's affection.
• The prosecutor draws attention to Stengel's inconsistencies while Stengel's son, Breitwieser, defends her, admitting that he's pained by his mother's hatred towards him but still cherishes her.
• The mother's attorney avoids talking about art, focusing on portraying her as a respectable woman who had been abused by her own son. Following this, Stengel is found guilty but serves less than four months in jail and subsequent probation at her parents’ house.
• Anne-Catherine, Breitwieser’s possible accomplice, testifies after his mother, denying knowledge or involvement in the art theft. Her testimony is disputed by the prosecutor but her lawyer, Braun, argues that she has been under the influence of Breitwieser.
• Despite allegations, Anne-Catherine serves only a night in jail and is able to return to work, while Breitwieser is sentenced to a two-year term.
• Breitwieser becomes a model inmate and is released early on good behavior then begins to work as a lumberjack. Upon meeting his mother after four years, he apologies for his actions but fails to get clearanswers from her on what transpired with his stolen art.
• Despite probationary restrictions, Breitwieser unwittingly reaches out to Anne-Catherine who reports him, leading to his imprisonment for fifteen days. While imprisoned, his rage gets the better of him, causing him physical harm and a permanent scar on his hand.