George Walker is an unemployed astronomer, oblivious to himself, others, and his environment, living in his own ideas. Slowly, he acquires awareness. He indulges his selfish wants, at the expense of others. With little understanding and little power, he starts to change. He can swim faster and heal faster. He can become like animals in some ways. He starts to believe that he is more than human, but then he is humbled by those who are more practiced at violence. He reads about the Archangel Lucifer and fantasizes that he might be a reincarnation. He gleefully speaks and does evil things, returning violence for violence. However, as he understands more of the Lucifer story, he develops characteristics and emotions that do not seem to be evil. Gradually he understands the suffering and joy of others and becomes more compassionate. He questions whether he has reached the end of madness or merely a deeper evil, the expression of the essential Lucifer. He learns the value of humor, the joy of living, playing and dancing. But, he cannot stop being violent, and he cannot ignore the effects of violence on things he has come to love. He chooses voluntary exile, for a while.