and adores him "with the devotion of a dog"(16), he seeks solace in a highly neurotic,

sadomasochistic relationship with Masha, who constantly tests and tortures him

emotionally. Although he desperately seeks safety and security, he daringly flirts with

danger and continuously jeopardizes himself by tightening the grip of lies and deception

around him. Thus, when he finally reaches a point where he cannot keep up with his

deception and duplicitous ways of living, he admits the dilemma and his own

contribution to creating it. Herman's predicament is concisely summarized in his remark,

"'I'm caught in a vise and can't free myself'"(144).

 It is likely that Herman's seemingly inexplicable neurotic behaviors stem from his

unconscious, irreconcilable needs. His desperate need for safety and protection drives

him toward behaviors characterized by detachment, deception, and evasion because the

horrific catastrophe he witnessed and went through has shattered his belief in the

possibility of establishing nurturing, intimate relationships with others. He cannot

imagine any relationship based on genuine trust and love. Commenting on Herman's

weird attitude of guarded detachment, Rabbi Lampert expresses bewilderment and

frustration: "'I could help you a great deal, but you shut yourself up like an oyster. What

secrets are you hiding ... ?'" (25). On the other hand, his suppressed longing for

companionship, understanding, and love breaks through the thick defensive barrier he

builds around him, compelling him to move toward others and seek some sort of

attachment with them. For example, he exhibits a desperate clinging tendency in his

affair with Masha. "'I can't live without Masha'" (260), Herman confesses to Tamara

right after he deserts pregnant Yadwiga to elope with Masha. As if to prove his