Harry Black is a factory worker who lives an unsatisfying life. At home, he is emotionally detached from his wife, Mary, and their newborn son, but he cannot put into words why he dislikes her so much. Harry goes to work every day and enjoys himself, as the factory puts him in proximity with many men who cannot simply abandon him. He is a union official with a comprehensive knowledge of the union rulebook, which leads to him constantly arguing with the factory bosses. The union officials tolerate Harry as a useful patsy, the other workers resent his overbearing familiarity, and the bosses loathe his fastidious attitude—so much so that they are willing to shut down the factory for almost a year to remove him. Harry, however, enjoys life at the factory. He mistakes tolerance and proximity for friendship, believing that his behavior makes him an indispensable and loved member of the workforce. At home, Harry is unhappy but cannot explain why. At work, he is happy but delusional. He is not suited to any of the places he inhabits, and he is never entirely sure of himself or what he wants. He is disconnected from a society he does not understand, and all his efforts to reconnect ultimately end in rejection.