This is the story of John Glueckstadt, released from the prison he was named after. He tries to find his place in society again. The townpeople provoke him, stalk him and would like to get rid of him. This world becomes a second prison for him. His desperate attemps to live as others do result in unemployment and misery. Unfortunate circumstances such as the death of his wife make him all the more decide to emigrate with his child to America.