Paul, a writer of metaphysical fiction is under pressure from his publisher to write in a more popular vein. The play opens in Paul's grandmother's apartment where he is joined by his fiancée, Kirsti. The action spans fifteen years of his life during which he compromises his style by writing formulaic works, becoming bitter and filled with self-contempt. Paul and Kersti are exposed two to archetypical figures, Mean and Grandmother, representing the good and evil in their lives. Mean is in control in the first act, protecting them as they arrive at Grandmother's house. In the second act the couple are in thrall of Grandmother, an unfeeling harridan, whose presence brings unhappiness and self-destruction. The play ends with Paul, now a disillusioned schoolteacher, having left Kersti and turned to the sleazy Irene whose character is the opposite of Kersti's innocence and moral rectitude. Paul's choice of woman is a reflection of his artistic and religious compromises.