There is an interesting contrast presented in chapter VI, "Fading Away". Compare the interactions between Stephen and Rachel, with that between Stephen and Tom. The latter occurs in darkness and Tom's "breath fell like a flame of fire upon Stephen's ears". The final words between Stephen and Rachel are exchanged at a "hurried parting in a common street, yet it was a sacred remembrance to these two common people." Q: Do these two different interactions reveal something happening "behind the scene"? A conflict that drives the narrative, but is not seen by the characters in the story?