Carl is an idealist wanting to possess perfect knowledge and believing he does through subconscious exposure to the works of a surreal artist. Carl sees in dreams surreal images painted by a famous artist. He is disinterested in people, until his friends all drop dead through natural causes leaving him impressive gifts after which he discards his idealism and finds "true wisdom." Alone, his understanding of life becomes hazy and he has a violent meltdown. Inevitably, he finds himself in an institution where in his lucid moments he is charming and draws a male employee, Daniel, to him. The two fall in love. When he is just about cured they go to Malawi where they marry. Unknown to them however gay marriages are illegal there. Daniel dies in a chase by the police and Carl finds himself in prison. Eventually, he runs amok and murders several fellow prisoners, stabbing himself afterwards. He hopes to rejoin Daniel in the next world. A tale highlighing the absurdities of the human condition.