Intelligent though he is, M. Folantin's poverty and puny physique have doomed him to a humdrum existence of unvarying office work by day, evenings of insipid restaurant food, and a lonely bed at night. But once in a while, Folantin is inspired to break this cycle of misery and search for happiness: in a new menu, a visit to the theatre, in the arms of a prostitute. Ultimately, however, he discovers that nothing can shake from him his disgust at the business of living.